LOCAL NON-PROFIT NEWS — In 2020, they helped over 150 stray and abandoned dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. Volunteers work countless hours using social media to connect lost pets with their owners. They absorb the cost of rescuing local animals and transporting them North to their forever homes. They also work hand-in-hand with the Metro Moore Sheriff’s Department to handle situations that would normally be the responsibility of Animal Control in a larger town.

We’re talking, of course, about the Lynchburg Friends of Animals Rescue and Adoption Center.

You can give back to all the countless volunteer hours Director Brandi Harrell and her dedicated staff of volunteers give to this community by supporting them in their upcoming Silent Auction during the Jack Daniel World Invitational Barbecue, which takes place next weekend (October 8-9) in Wiseman Park.

Dozens of baskets from local small businesses and organizations will be available as well as many with one-of-a-kind Jack Daniel’s items that may be of interest to Jack Daniel’s Squires and collectors like a custom, hand built dog house made from barrel staves, and marketing prototypes.

“The Jack Daniel’s marketing team out of Louisville has really blown us away with their generosity this year,” said Friends volunteer Robin Taylor. “They donated over 35 Jack Daniel’s related items including some one-of-a-kind prototypes that were never produced, many marketing related pieces, and some unbelievable and hard to find collectibles.”

One example is a framed copy of The Jack Daniel’s Story that’s numbered 004/100. The rare piece is 35×25 in a heavy frame. The back is stamped with “Handmade by our own craftsmen at Jack Daniel’s.” There also a prototype of a nightclub bottle service piece in the shape of guitar that’s lighted through an external battery pack. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece that was never produced.

We also got a sneak peak at the donated baskets list and it contains items from: Harley Davidson, Lynchburg Winery, Miss Mary Bobo’s, Lynchburg Gifts & more, Jackie’s Gift Gallery, Velma’s, Sully’s, and many more.

Because of COVID, last year’s auction went virtual. This year, it will be a hybrid. The Friends of Animal’s Silent Auction will kick off on their Facebook page on Saturday, October 2 at 10 a.m. Bidding will end on Saturday, October 9 at 3 p.m. Bidder can view items at the shelter’s Silent Auction booth inside the Jack Daniel Barbecue. The winning bidders will be able to pick up their items that Saturday or at the shelter the following Sunday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“Last year’s auction was our biggest fundraiser ever, and I have a feeling this year’s might top it,” Taylor said.

To follow the the Silent Auction visit the Online Auctions for Friends of Animals page on Facebook or click this link. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}