CAMDEN — There is no official word yet on how much money was made during this year's annual P.A.W.S. Holiday Auction for the Animal fundraiser, but suffice it to say everybody left the venue Thursday night feeling pretty darn good.

The Dec. 4 event, which included both silent and live auctions, baked-on-site Cafe Miranda pizza and homemade cookies, was held at P.A.W.S. new/future location on John Street, in the former Camden First Aid Association building. The animals haven't arrived on site yet, and there's renovation work that needs to be done before the entire operation can move in, but the community got a chance to tour the space and see how much better it will be for both the animals and those who care for them while they await adoption.

While bidders munched and viewed the items donated for the auction(s), P.A.W.S. Board President and Campaign Chair Joe Ryan announced that Northport and Florida resident Janet Morecraft, citing a longtime desire to do "something meaningful for homeless and abandoned animals," had donated a give of $150,000 to the organization.

Morecraft had pledged the gift as a challenge opportunity in July, with the goal of enabling the nonprofit animal welfare organization to begin renovations on the new site at 123 John St. in early 2015.

In a press release, P.A.W.S. said that Morecraft, an animal welfare advocate and P.A.W.S. benefactor, believes "It's the humanitarian thing to do, and why not join forces, resources and funds that will make such a difference now?" They said she urged the Board of Trustees to "think big, be bold, and have courage."

Ryan said Thursday night that P.A.W.S. was able to meet the challenge, established specifically for renovations, by the Nov. 13 deadline.

"This is a tremendous advancement of our capital campaign," said Ryan. "I can't tell you how thrilled and grateful we are for this tremendous gift to the 'Forever Home' campaign. Janet is investing in a modern facility that will provide animal shelter, treatment and education in our community for many years to come."

The $1 million campaign goal includes funds necessary to "shelterfy" the existing building, provide furnishings and equipment and pay off the purchase mortgage in full. With the Morecraft gift and others now in hand, Ryan said the campaign has raised about 54% of goal, and construction is expected to be completed by mid-2015.

Ryan said in the press release that he anticipates issuing requests for construction bids in early January.

P.A.W.S. Executive Director Amie Hutchinson was also one of the many staff, board members, benefactors and volunteers at the auction, and she gave high praise to everyone for all their hard work. She also thanked all of the donors to date, and those who would be donating during the live auction.

"With construction soon to begin, the community will be hearing much more about the important services P.A.W.S. provides every day, as well as the exciting programs our new location will allow us to introduce" said Hutchinson.

As for the Morecraft gift, Hutchinson said, "We still have work ahead to reach our campaign goal, but the Morecraft gift has given us a huge jump-start, and we are confident that animal lovers throughout our community will join Janet and make this campaign a quick success."

As the live auction prepared to get underway, with auctioneer Bruce Gamage and his wife, Becky, leading and keeping track of the bidding, Hutchinson told the assembled group, “We are on track for our busiest year ever. Every dollar that you spend tonight will help us buy the food, shelter, medical treatments, and spay and neuter surgeries for every animal that is adopted. And we thank you for all of your support.”

P.A.W.S. serves nine Midcoast communities, including Belfast, Camden, Islesboro, Liberty, Lincolnville, Northport Rockport, Searsmont and Swanville. The new facility, built in 2000, offers both size and features such as meeting/training space and an emergency generator that will enable P.A.W.S. to expand its constellation of programs and services for homeless and abandoned animals, as well as for families, schools and community groups.

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or 706-6655.