This year’s Bow Wow Luau and Cat’s Meow, slated for 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at Banks Channel Pub and Grille, is really going to feel like a luau, said event founder and director Trish Arnold.

With live performances by Polynesian fire dancers and authentic Hawaiian hula dancer "Leilani" Nadine Boltz, along with festive food and live beach music by The Imitations, this fun-raiser will benefit Adopt an Angel animal rescue. And, Arnold said, like the tradition of fire dancing and hula, the event is a celebration of life.

Arnold, passionate about the 501(c)(3) nonprofit’s efforts, has paid upfront for the band and décor so that every penny raised through ticket costs and live and silent auctions during the event will benefit the dogs and cats of Adopt an Angel.

"Last year was the first event," Arnold explained. "It raised almost $4,000 and this year we expect that it will raise a lot more."

Even so, the need is greater than ever according to Arnold, especially with the impact of the economy.

"Right now," she said, "Adopt an Angel animal rescue’s veterinary bills and food runs anywhere between $8,000 and $10,000 a month. And Adopt an Angel is run completely by volunteers. The volunteers who work with them (the animals), they are the true angels. They work relentlessly and compassionately just trying to make sure that they are able to rescue dogs and cats whose time would sadly be up."

Since 2004, Arnold reported, more than 5,200 animals have found homes through the pet adoption agency. In 2010 alone, close to 830 cats and dogs found new families to provide for them.

"All animals deserve love," Arnold said. "A good loving family and a good home and Adopt an Angel really provides that."

Through this annual event, Arnold fully intends to raise the bar.

"Hopefully," she said, "we’ll be able to turn a lot of lives around."

Featured live auction items include dinner for up to six people to be prepared by Chef Theodore Alexander Fouros and a half-day chartered boat for six aboard Lobster Tails and many more luxury items.

Jewelry, original artwork, gift certificates and more will be featured in the silent auction.

All who join the luau are encouraged to wear their best Hawaiian-inspired attire.

Advanced tickets are $25 and are  available for purchase at the UPS Store at The Forum, Banks Channel Pub and Grille, Manhattan Bagel, Petco or online at www.adoptanangelrescue.com . Tickets at the door are $30.

For silent auction donations or sponsorship opportunities, contact Trish Arnold at
(910) 256-2777.