To think there was a time when they thought of cancelling the Starlight Auction many years ago because they didn’t think it was raising enough money for it to be worth it.

Today, the event has become a favorite fundraiser of the “http://animalrefugecenter.com/” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Animal Refuge Center. And this year the event should have the nickname “300 for 30,” which means they hope to raise $300,000 for the 30th annual auction to be held at the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 10 p.m.

And there are still tickets and sponsorship opportunities available.

As ARC’s signature event, the Starlight Auction is an opportunity to gather and celebrate the year’s successes and support ARC’s efforts to help homeless pets in need.

Rob Spicker, ARC vice president, said the event started small and grew to what it has become. It almost didn’t make it that far.

“It’s grown from humble beginnings to what we hope will be a $300,000 night,” said ARC vice president Rob Spicker. “About 20 years ago it was only making about $20,000. After a few of them they weren’t sure if it would continue.”

Spicker said treasurer Betty Hughes took the lead and has built it to the verge where we’re going to make $300,000, which is about 30 percent of what it takes to run ARC every year.

Among the items to be auctioned off include Caribbean vacations, weekend getaways, golf outings, jewelry, artwork and much more.

There is also a silent auction for gift baskets that are often pet related, and a few of ARC’s guests typically come and visit.

“Some of this might satisfy your Christmas shopping for your friends. Just a wide variety of options you can choose from in the auction silently or in the auction,” Spicker said. “The baskets do well, and we put a lot of time into them.”

Spicker also said they never stop looking for sponsorships, which start at $500 and include two tickets and your company name mentioned in the program.

Individual tickets are $125 and they will find a place for you if you decide to come last minute. Spicker said the event doesn’t really ever sell out.

The Animal Refuge Center is Southwest Florida’s largest no-kill shelter. The center’s philosophy avows that once an animal is accepted for adoption, he or she will not be destroyed to make room for another. The mission is to shelter, adopt and educate. All donations go directly to ARC’s efforts to care for and find homes for as many animals as it can. ARC is at 18011 Old Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (by appointment) for visits, adoptions and tours (excluding major holidays). Volunteers are welcomed every day. For more information, visit animalrefugecenter.com or call 239-731-3535.