Bring Home a Puppy from 2012 Heart and Soul Gala

The coat check room won't be the only place you'll find a furry coat at this year's Heart and Soul Winter Gala, held Saturday, Feb. 11, at in Farmington Hills.

This year's fund-raising auction features 11-week-old Chief, a black chihuahua-terrier mix named in honor of former Farmington Hills Police Chief Bill Dwyer, a Gala co-chair. In the words of one of the puppy's admirers, Chief is “very sweet, loves to cuddle, and is catching on to outdoor potty training very quickly.”

Chief’s shots will be up-to-date, and he’ll be ready to go home with his new owner. But if a puppy isn’t in your plans right now, there are plenty of other auction items that will be sold to help raise funds for the foundation, which supports a variety of causes in Farmington and Farmington Hills.

How about a hunting trip to England? The winning bidders will be picked up at the airport, taken to the hotel they have selected, then on to the hunting site. (Airline and hotel accommodations are not included in the package.) Non-hunters may go along for the ride and take in the sights and shopping in London. 

Closer to home, the auction list includes the ever-popular helicopter ride with Bob Lutz, a fighter pilot experience, Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons tickets, sailboat excursions and restaurant and wine packages. There will also be opportunities to donate to the Foundation’s Endowment Fund, ensuring the work of the Foundation into the future and the Bountiful Backpack Program, which provides a weekend's worth of food for children in our community.

The auction is only a part of the fun offered during this signature event. Miss Farmington Elise Newcomer and her court will be serving appetizers, a student jazz group will welcome guests, who will be served a gourmet dinner. The Foundation is also honoring Walter Gajewski with the “Riley Award for Altruism.”

The Gala is open to the public. Individual tickets are $175; reservations may be made through the Foundation office, 248-345-9090.

The Farmington/Farmington Hills Foundation, founded in 1995, supports organizations and programs that enrich the lives of children, youth and families in the Farmington communities. The next grant deadline is April 15. Interested groups will find more information at ffhfoundation.org.