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Which Alys Beach Resident Just Won a $10,000 Rolex?

McCaskill & Company recently announced that nearly $15,000 was raised through their "Wag & Win" Rolex Giveaway to benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge, a local non-profit organization that provides shelter and adoption services for animals. Alys Beach resident George Hartley (owner of Seagrove Village Market CaféGeorge’s at Alys Beach, and the new Mi Cocina in Seacrest) won the raffle and the rare $10,000 Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch that went along with it!

Organizers said that the Wag & Win Rolex Giveaway has been one of the highest grossing fundraisers to date for Alaqua, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the refuge, which is the region's only "no kill" animal shelter.

Tickets were sold at McCaskill & Company's store for $25 each. Founded by Bill and Elizabeth Campbell in 1994, McCaskill & Company is host to some of the world’s most exclusive jewelry designers and watches. In fact, McCaskill & Company was recently recognized byHarper’s Bazaar as one of the “Best Jewelry and Watch Retailers in America.”

“When I received the email from Bill and Elizabeth about the giveaway, there was no question of whether or not to participate,” said Hartley. “The Campbell’s are always promoting good causes and we’ve met Laurie Hood before and feel that Alaqua is a very deserving organization. And for a chance to win a Rolex, why not?"

Alaqua Animal Refuge was created by Walton County resident Laurie Hood in 2007, after she discovered that countless animals were being euthanized due to a lack of a no-kill shelter/adoption organization in our area. In its first two years of operation, Alaqua Animal Refuge has already helped find homes for nearly3,000 animals. Alaqua features a unique alternative to traditional animal shelters that includes ten acres with open pastures, shade trees, tranquil ponds and barns. Several independent buildings were created for specific animal needs, including housing small and large dogs, puppies, active and geriatric cats, an infirmary and even a kitten nursery. Currently, an average of 100 animals are adopted per month from this unique rescue facility, which serves as a true refuge for more than 250 animals at any given time.

Hood said that this charitable support comes at a "poignant time."

"Donations have decreased with the downturn in the economy, and our shelter is full of animals that have been surrendered due to their owners no longer being able to care for them,” she said. “We are so thankful for the generous support of the Campbell’s and all of the members of the community who purchased raffle tickets.”

“Our original goal was to raise $10,000—the value of the Rolex—so to have surpassed it by over $4,000 is so exciting," said Elizabeth Campbell of McCaskill & Company. "Bill and I are lifelong animal lovers, and we believe Laurie is providing our area such an incredible and much needed service with Alaqua. We are honored to be able support the organization.”

"Although I've never won anything, and certainly didn't expect to win this, I am so incredibly happy that Alaqua raised the funds they did and my hat is off to the Campbell's," said Hartley. "And my wife looks great wearing the new watch!”

McCaskill & Company is located at 13390 Highway 98 West, between Destin and Sandestin. For additional info, check out www.mccaskillandcompany.com or call (850) 650-2262.

For info about Alaqua Animal Refuge, please call (850) 880-6399, visit www.aarflorida.com or email info@aarflorida.com

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