![ahb-200928 ©2009 NCL Magazine : Bo Newell, Julie Bendle, Betty Graham and Nancy Newell receive recognition for their tireless work with SPCA's Almost Home Pet Adoption Center.](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200928-199x300.jpg)
Arrington
Nelson County, Virginia
Clearing skies and mild temperatures made the perfect backdrop for this year’s Animal House Ball held in the Carriage House at Oak Ridge Estate in Arrington. For nearly a decade the event has been held yearly or every other year to help raise money for The Almost Home Pet Adoption Center just north of Lovingston, Virginia.
![ahb-200913 The evening began with cocktails under a beautiful sky on the outdoor patio of The Carriage House.](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200913-300x199.jpg)
![ahb-200913 The evening began with cocktails under a beautiful sky on the outdoor patio of The Carriage House.](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200913-300x199.jpg)
![ahb-200915 Live auctioneer Bo Newell lets the crowd know the silent auction ends in 10 minutes!](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200915-199x300.jpg)
![ahb-200915 Live auctioneer Bo Newell lets the crowd know the silent auction ends in 10 minutes!](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200915-199x300.jpg)
![ahb-200922 Before the live auction and music later in the evening, guests were treated to a fantastic dinner!](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200922-300x199.jpg)
![ahb-200922 Before the live auction and music later in the evening, guests were treated to a fantastic dinner!](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200922-300x199.jpg)
![ahb-200937 A highlight of the evening is always when Bo Newell takes to the stage with the live auction!](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200937-300x199.jpg)
![ahb-200937 A highlight of the evening is always when Bo Newell takes to the stage with the live auction!](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200937-300x199.jpg)
![ahb-200930 For all of his years of volunteering with SPCA Bo was presented with this replica doggy footstool so her can put his feet up for a bit!](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200930-199x300.jpg)
![ahb-200930 For all of his years of volunteering with SPCA Bo was presented with this replica doggy footstool so her can put his feet up for a bit!](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200930-199x300.jpg)
![ahb-200939 Dr. Beth Luzaich, DVM poses with Yvette during the ball. Yvette found out she just got the winning bid on her lady bug painting in the silent auction!](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200939-199x300.jpg)
![ahb-200939 Dr. Beth Luzaich, DVM poses with Yvette during the ball. Yvette found out she just got the winning bid on her lady bug painting in the silent auction!](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200939-199x300.jpg)
![ahb-200926 Money raised from The Animal House Ball goes directly to Almost Home for operating dollars at the shelter.](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200926-300x199.jpg)
![ahb-200926 Money raised from The Animal House Ball goes directly to Almost Home for operating dollars at the shelter.](https://www.blueridgelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahb-200926-300x199.jpg)
Congrats on a fantastic 2009 ball!
Yvette and Tommy and Steve and Heidi and Mark and Cindy-
I enjoyed meeting everyone at our table and the whole evening as well.
I look forward to acquainting myself with my neighbors in Nelson county at future events.
Greg