During this season of Thanksgiving it's only right to pause and give thanks to all who helped and supported my annual shelter animal fundraiser, "Givin' The Dog A Bone (and the Cat too!)," which took place last weekend.

Kudos to local broadcast company Radio One Communications and X-Rock 103.9 for the help in promoting the event and special thanks to Radio One's news director, Laura Waluszko.

Thanks to Roger and Pattijo Porter, John Gallas and the staff of The Patrican Banquet Center for use of the venue. And local music artists who donated their time and talent -- Rick Murk, Zach Bozanic, Jerry Clemons, Chris Wander, X-Girlfriend, The Backwoods Band and Marrakesh Express.

Tough economic times did not prevent local music fans from buzzing around the silent celebrity auction tables and laying down bids. A high five to private memorabilia collectors Ed and Tammy Robak, of Crown Point, who donated several signed items from their own collection.

Every fall, I open my rolodex and start calling up various celebrity friends and acquaintances, requesting some sort of autographed item or collectable for this auction. Each year, I have been able to count on support from Paul Rodgers (Bad Company), Cynthia Michelle (P.R.O. International), Mike Levine of Triumph, the guys of Foghat, Charlie Daniels, Jim Peterik of Survivor fame, and Disney children's artist Ralph Covert.

Others who donated signed items and memorabilia this year were: Alice Cooper, Gallagher, Ted Nugent, The Bob & Tom Show, Sister Hazel, Gary Allen, Bruce Kulick, Blackmore's Night, Styx, Little Feat, Kansas, Tommy James, Tom & Kim Scholz (Boston), Gunnar & Matthew Nelson (The Nelson Brothers), The Buckinghams, Pamela Moore (Queensryche), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow), Marsh all Crenshaw, Mac McAnally, Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), Michael McDermott, Amy Davis, and Insight Artist Management.

Thanks also to these local business folks who donated items and or services to help the cause -- The Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza, Star Plaza Theatre's Charlie Blum and Monica Montella, The Gary Southshore Railcats, The Superbowl Lanes, Northcoast Distributing, Gelsomo's Pizza (Crown Point), Northwoods Restaurant, Great Lakes Granite, Renew at Physicians for Women, Gayety's Chocolates, Grand Central Skin Art, Wisecracker's Comedy Club, Northwest Indiana Symphony, Broadway Music, Dynamite Music, Music Lab, Verona Pizza III, Beef O'Brady's, Portage 16 Theater, Albanese Confectionary, Strack & Van Til, Webb Ford, S&J Stereo, Round The Clock (Highland), The Nut Hut, The Circle, Don Quijote, The Carriage Court Restaurant, Louise Roys, Gino's Steakhouse, Cornucopia Coffeehouse, Camelot Lanes, The Heritage Inn, Lucrezia Restaurant, American Concrete Restoration, The Campagna Family, Hair of the Ferret Salsa, Dog Collars by Shelia, Unique Scrubs, Kwik Kopy (Crown Point), Russ' Print Shop, and anyone I might have missed.

And finally, thanks to the volunteer staff who hustled to make the event a success -- Ted, Patty and Tony Urbanski, Lisa Sotiros, John Chasko, Olivia Muha, Angelique McKenny, Cory Duck, Brandon Denton, and my kids, Sarah Lounges and Dylan Lounges.

By next week, checks and supplies made possible by the generousity of the above listed, will be delivered to six area animal shelters to help the critters in their care. But just remember, they need help year round, so please donate to your local shelter and if time permits, volunteer to walk, play with and help care for these lovable creatures as they patiently wait and dream of finding a forever home.

It's a great way to warm your heart on even the coldest of region days.

The opinions expressed are solely the writer's. Reach him at beatboss@aol.com.