On Saturday, March 19, 2011 an Animal Blessing celebration was held for Austin, sponsored jointly by Live Oak Local Council, Yew Grove Pagan Interfaith, and Trinity United Methodist Church. The event was held in the Fellowship Hall of Trinity United Methodist, in their new location at 4001 Speedway in Austin. All donations were given to Emancipet of Austin.
We blessed cats, dogs, and even one ferret who came to bless us with their presence. (See the pictures below.) Some people came because they saw the notice on the Austin Pagan Events e-list, some because they saw the signs outside while they were walking their pets in the neighborhood, and some because they just had to see the kind of true interfaith represented by a Pagan celebration inside a Methodist church.
But for whatever reason they came, everyone who was there - pet owners, celebrants, and Emancipet representatives - found it to be a moving and meaningful experience. (The animals seemed to be having a pretty good time, too.)
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Thanks to everyone who helped make "A Sacred Feast" on Saturday, February 26, a huge success! We're delighted to share that the feast brought in a total of $1659: $979 from the auction, $280 from admissions, $350 from cash donations from sponsors, and a surprising $50 from 2 cook-off winners who generously re-gifted their winnings.
Kudos to the planning team, sponsors and volunteers. Our planning team, each representing one of our community sponsors, was one of the most effective and convivial teams with whom we've ever had the pleasure to work. Deep thanks also to Seth Davis and his friend Barry for the mellow musical accompaniment and MC'ing and to Bonnie and the staff at the VORTEX for being such great hosts. We had 28 volunteers on the day of the event and a total of 97 attendees. We had an amazing 22 sponsors and 43 auction items donated.
Drum roll, please... and the cook-off winners were:
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Best of the Beast: Holy Ghost Mole, Jim C.
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Blessed Bacon: Homemade Maple Bacon, Mark S.
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Culinary Comfort: Dill Bread Dip, Lauren G.
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Divine Desserts: Cuatro Leches Cake, Meredith C.
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Gifts from the Garden: Rice, Corn & Lentil Salad, Sherry S.
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Global Gourmet: Seafood-Mexican Chowder, Sirce D.
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Light My Fire: Roo's Red Hot Ribs, Roo H.
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Overall Best: Cuatro Leches Cake, Meredith C.
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(There were no entries in the Lovin' from the Oven category)
Below you see two photos of the event - the blessing of the feast and the altar:
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