Animal Refuge Center president Wayne Leinen, Betty Hughes, outgoing treasurer, and Rob Spicker, ARC vice president, during ARC’s recent 30th annual Starlight Auction at the Sanibel Harbour Resort. Hughes received a plaque to commemorate her years of service to the organization. CHUCK BALLARO

Betty Hughes can tell you more about the growth of the Animal Refuge Center and the Starlight Auction than just about anyone. After all, she’s been involved with the organization and event since just about the beginning.

After serving nearly 25 years as a member of the ARC Board of Trustees, Hughes will be retiring from her position on the board, where she has been their treasurer and chairperson for the fundraiser.

She was honored recently at the auction’s 30th anniversary event for her work in bringing ARC to the status it has today, as the largest no-kill shelter in Southwest Florida.

When Hughes joined the board in 2000, there was a possibility the auction would be cancelled, as it had only raised about $10,000 the first few years.

Hughes took over the event and it quickly grew, getting community partners and local businesses involved. This year, the goal was to raise $300,000.

Animal Refuge Center outgoing treasurer Betty Hughes during ARC’s recent 30th annual Starlight Auction at the Sanibel Harbour Resort. Hughes received a plaque to commemorate her years of service to the organization. CHUCK BALLARO

Thanks to people like Hughes, ARC has reached the potential very few people thought it had all those years ago when it bought 22 acres on Old Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers. Hughes believes there is even more potential for the shelter.

Hughes, who hesitates to receive the spotlight, received a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd during the auction, as well as recognition from fellow board members, president Wayne Leinen and vice president Rob Spicker.

“There are things she does that just aren’t noticed. It’s always on her mind to help the Animal Refuge Center and this event is one of those,” Spicker said. “She devotes 365 days a year to raising this money at this fundraiser.”

Spicker’s parents adopted a pet from ARC when he was a child and later, his children started volunteering there. Spicker, who worked at WINK-TV at the time, was asked by Hughes to emcee the auction, and later invited to the board and to foster cats.

Leinen said she met Hughes at an adoption event at Petco. She mentioned the need for a new board member and when Leinen responded “That’s nice,” he was instantly recruited and refusal was not an option.

Animal Refuge Center outgoing treasurer Betty Hughes during ARC’s recent 30th annual Starlight Auction at the Sanibel Harbour Resort. Hughes received a plaque to commemorate her years of service to the organization. CHUCK BALLARO

“Betty has been the anchor of the board regardless of there being a vice president or president other than her,” Leinen said. “She’s been my friend, my mentor. She’s taught me how to lead and grow donors and we will miss her at board meetings.”

Hughes was given a plaque for her years of service and, while hesitant to speak, said her work for ARC has been the most wonderful thing she had done.

“It’s been the most amazing privilege to be involved with ARC for 25 years. I’m not sure if ARC will ever leave my heart and why bother. It’s an amazing place. It’s grown because of people like you. I love you as much as I love the cats and dogs,” she said.

Overall, it was a great night. ARC President Wayne Leinen said it was a phenomenal success, in large part due to Hughes.

“It was by far the most successful auction we’ve ever had. That’s due in large part by the tribute to Betty Hughes and her commitment over the years,” Leinen said. “We intended for this to be her swan song for stepping off the board and she’s been the anchor for this auction nearly the entire time. It tied together nicely.

Hughes is not walking away from ARC entirely. She will continue to chair the Starlight Auction and help out wherever she can.

Hughes said it was a humbling experience being feted for her years of service.

“It’s always been a humbling, fulfilling experience to be involved with ARC. But the outpouring of love tonight, I know it’s a record night, I’m frankly speechless,” Hughes said. “I always saw the potential in ARC. When I interviewed and saw the passion in that room, I wanted to be a part of it.”