Derrick Miller
DUNCAN — Some people dressed in their Sunday bests, while others went a bit more extravagant. Either way, the goal was the same.
The Stephens County Humane Society held its biennial Dalmatian Ball Saturday in the Duncan Elks Golf and Country Club. The event contributes funds to the daily operations of the Humane Society and the Humane Society Endowment Fund.
Betty Burk, Friends of the Humane Society president, said, “It looks great to me. Hopefully, we have a lot of good bidders for items that have been donated.”
An Asian theme dressed the dining quarters, from Chinese symbols on the wall to Chinese food to a large dragon decoration, which had previously been use for Duncan High School’s Project Graduation. The Stephens County Humane Society Board created a committee to decorate.
While previous installments of the event have featured a sit down dinner, this year’s program was a self-serve buffet-type dining option. The Dalmatian Ball also had a silent auction, a Chinese auction and a live auction on donated items to help raise more funds for the Humane Society.
Jan Gaddis, Humane Society Board president, led the program and presented this year’s Gene and Jimmie Lee Nelson Diamond Collar Awards. The award was established during the last Dalmatian Ball, which took place in 2008.
This year’s recipient was Burk, who was recognized for her hard work and dedication to the Humane Society.
“I couldn’t do it without all the wonderful friends I have,” Burk said.
She said she was blown away by being named this year’s award winner. Prior to Burk being revealed as this year’s recipient, the people at her table were mouthing her name.
“I’m overwhelmed emotionally,” Burk said. “It’s something I love doing. I have the best group anyone could ask for.”
Not only was the award in honor of the Nelsons, but the Dalmatian Ball was also meant to recognize them. They were unable to attend the program because of health issues.
Just before presenting the Diamond Collar Award, Gaddis talked about what the Nelsons did to contribute to the Humane Society. She said they were instrumental in establishing a humane society for Stephens County.
“About 13 years ago, they said we needed a humane society,” Gaddis said. “We are very eternally grateful.”
She said they worked with others in the community to get the Humane Society off the ground to ensure the welfare of the animals of Stephens County.
“Without their vision and dedication, we would not have a Stephens County Humane Society,” Gaddis said.
—Derrick Miller is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 160, or via e-mail at derrick.miller@duncanbanner.com.
