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Charity

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We are proud to announce that SAFE Haven for Cats will once again be our partnered charity for 2025! Founded in 1994, SAFE Haven is a registered 501(c)3 dedicated to saving cats' lives. To date they have helped adopt over 12,100 cats and spayed/neutered over 36,000 animals in their low-cost clinic. They rely on donations to do their incredible work, and we are excited to help them continue their mission.

One reason we are so excited to work with SAFE Haven is their mission statement and core values.

From their website.

The mission of SAFE Haven for Cats is to use no-kill principles and education to save cats’ lives through rescue, adoption, spay / neuter services and community programs.

SAFE Haven for Cats Believes:

  • Every animal and human at SAFE Haven is an individual being with personality, feelings, intrinsic worth and value. As such, they will be treated with respect and care in a non-judgmental, safe environment.

  • We will always exist as a 501(c)(3) no-kill organization and strive to find homes for every adoptable, treatable and recoverable cat we take.

  • Community volunteers are a vital part of our success and we acknowledge and celebrate their contributions.

  • Affordable sterilization, community education and trap / neuter / vaccinate / return are proven methods to stop euthanasia as a means of population control for companion animals.

  • We will not adopt out an animal before sterilization.

  • We will not euthanize an animal except in the case of illness, injury or other condition from which they cannot recover, and then only by lethal injection.

  • Partnering, collaborating and advocating with other organizations and government agencies increases our ability to benefit these animals and save lives.

 

The Charity Auction

We will be hosting a charity auction in support of SAFE Haven. All funds raised as part of the auction will go directly to the charity in support of their mission.

Schedule

The charity auction will be held on Sunday, December 31st. Please see the main events schedule for exact times and details. During the auction, donated items will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The winner will collect their item by donating the value of their bid directly to the charity.

Donating to the Charity Auction

You may donate items to the charity auction by bringing them to the charity table during BWS. If you would like to donate an item to the charity auction but are unable to attend BWS 2025, you may mail the item to us. Please email charity-relations@ncanthrosociety.org with a description of the item for mailing instructions. Mailed items MUST be received by two weeks prior to the start of the convention.

When donating an item, please provide an estimated value and desired starting bid. We may adjust the starting bid as needed.

Your donated items:

  • Should be unique, or at least not easily purchasable within the dealer's den.

  • Must not exceed a PG rating. In all cases, BWS staff and the charity have the right to refuse an item for any reason.

  • Must be in new or like-new condition.

  • Must have all price tags removed.

 

The following items are prohibited:

  • Self-prepared food items, food items that are not in a factory sealed package, and alcohol.

  • Used clothing, costumes, and toys.

  • Any item which is illegal to possess or sell in Durham, NC.

 

 

Participating in the Charity Auction

All BWS members are welcome and encouraged to participate in the charity auction.

Here's how it will work:

  • Items will be introduced and given a starting bid by the auctioneer.

  • To bid on an item, raise your hand high and call out your bid loudly. NOTE. All bids are final. Please be sure you are willing and able to make a donation to the charity before calling out your bid.

  • The auctioneer will clearly announce when an item has sold, for how much, and to whom. They will collect the winner's badge number immediately and give them a receipt which will be verified by the charity when the item is collected.

  • If you have won an item at the auction, please proceed to the charity representative after the auction ends to make your donation and collect your item.

  • Donations may be made via cash, check, or card. Accepted cards are subject to the charity's payment processing system. Please check with the charity beforehand to verify they are able to accept your payment method.

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