The Kelowna SPCA truly found a diamond in the rough when Romany Runnalls came to them.

Runnalls initially helped the Kelowna animal shelter as a foster mom, taking care of a litter of kittens until they were of age to be adopted into a new loving home.

“We are always in need of foster parents for our animals,” said Karen Stirling, assistant branch manager.

“Some are sick or just had surgery and we seem to always have a need for families to care for kittens until they can be adopted out,” said Karen Stirling, assistant Kelowna SPCA branch manager.

“The role of a foster volunteer is very important as we continue to face an over population issue with cats not being spayed and neutered.”

Runnalls has been a supporter of the SPCA for many years, very passionate about animals and the work the Kelowna animal shelter has been doing.

“This summer I realized, with the crisis situation of forest fires, this is only one dramatic example of what the shelter handles everyday,” explained Runnalls.

“I decided I needed to do more to help the animals and people working around the clock at the shelter and agreed to foster a litter of little four-week-old kittens.”

Runnalls, owner of Aquarius Mortgages Inc., realized her true passion when caring for these foster kittens.

Wanting to get involved in a bigger way to help the society, Runnalls who was a gold sponsor for the Angels for Animals Gala for the SPCA last year has now become the presenting sponsor with Silk FM.

“To be involved with the shelter locally has been a great opportunity to work with the people who are similarly passionate about caring for animals in our community,” Runnalls said.

“I would encourage people to get involved at any age in any capacity from donating to fostering or volunteering.”

“Romany is truly a pleasure to work with as her excitement and commitment comes through in everything she does,” added Marni Adams, SPCA fundraising coordinator.

“When we spoke about the presenting sponsorship for Aquarius Mortgages, she did not think twice and just said yes, yes, I am in.”

Runnalls truly exemplifies the commitment to a not-for-profit organization as a volunteer, major donor, major sponsor and also her involvement on an executive committee with the Kelowna Branch.

The SPCA’s second annual Angels for Animals Gala, presented by Aquarius Mortgages and Silk FM, is Nov. 14 at the Manteo Resort Waterfront Hotel and Villas.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, the wine provided by St. Hubertus Estate Winery, followed by a four-course meal with Okanagan wine pairings including Sandhill Estate Vineyard, See Ya Later Ranch, Tinhorn Creek Estate Winery, Quails’ Gate Estate Winery and Lake Breeze Winery.

There will be silent and live auctions including some great items like club seats to the Kelowna Rockets, tickets for an intimate evening with Jann Arden, romance packages, golf packages, his/hers packages and local art. The live auction will include a Big White getaway package and a signed Bobby Orr ‘The Goal’ donated by Westcoast Authentic.

The evening will be completed with a chocolate fountain supplied by Bernard Callebaut Chocolates and dancing and entertainment by Ellen Churchill and her band.

“Last year was a success and we are hoping for an even better evening this year,” said Adams. “The tickets are selling much quicker this year.”

“We will be featuring some SPCA Certified beef for our entrée course provided by Vale Farms in Lumby, there are some great items up for auction and Ellen Churchill is always so much fun and a fantastic entertainer,” says Adams.

Tickets are available at the SPCA at 3785 Casorso Road in Kelowna.

For more information or to make a donation for the auction, call 250-861-7722.