VERA here (LC’s napping in the hay loft, claiming it’s part of her “event recovery plan”). And let me tell you, we just wrapped up one of the biggest happenings of the year: the High Hopes Summer Soirée. If you thought gala season was all glitz and glamour, think again—there’s a lot that goes into making this place sparkle, and I had the front-row perch to prove it.
It all started months ago when Trudy, our incredible Event Manager, began murmuring about auction packages and timelines. That’s how we knew: Soirée season was coming. From that moment on, the entire herd—humans included—shifted into high gear.
The barn got what LC likes to call a “deep-paw clean.” We’re talking pressure washers, wall scrubbings, mopped aisleways, and fresh stall stripping. Even the usually hidden corners weren’t safe from a thorough dusting. I supervised, of course, from the mounting ramp in the indoor arena. LC preferred to oversee the mop bucket situation (she’s a big fan of water).
Then came the committee crews—people bustling in with clipboards, flowers, and tiny decorative votives. They were gathering auction treasures, planning beautiful table settings.
And just when we thought it couldn’t get busier, the cavalry arrived: teams of volunteers from amazing places like Eversource, Liberty Bank, and Dominion rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They hauled carpets the size of paddocks, set up more than 60 tables (which I personally tested for wobbles), vacuumed, and some even cut up huge boxes of limes and lemons for specialty drinks.
We cats made ourselves useful, of course. We offered leg rubs of encouragement, tested seating arrangements with a strategic nap, and made sure everyone remembered to pause for a quick pet break.
It really was a “it takes a village moment”—a beautiful symphony of community, hard work, and heartfelt dedication. The barn hasn’t looked that fancy since… well, ever. And the best part? All this effort directly supports the mission that we barn cats get to see in action every single day.
So as we curl up in the hay and the last sparkle of soirée glitter fades away, we’re purring with pride. Because around here, teamwork makes the magic—and the Summer Soirée—happen.
With a swish of the tail,
VERA (and LC, in spirit)