SAGA Humane Society held its 21st annual Halloween Spooktacular on Sunday, October 25th, at Caribbean Villas in San Pedro. The fundraiser brought together pet owners, children, and supporters for a costume competition, raffles, and silent auctions benefiting the island’s animal shelter.
Registration began at 2PM, followed by the costume competition at 3PM. Participants competed in four categories: Most Glamorous, Funniest, Team Look-Alike, and Kids and Pets. Judges included Miss San Pedro Elizabeth Grace Sanchez, Miss World Belize Faith Edgar, and Tamara Sniffin of The San Pedro Sun and My Beautiful Belize.
SAGA organizes the fundraiser to help cover expenses during the island’s slower tourism months, when donations decline, but animal care needs continue. One of the founders, Eileen Jamison, said the organization typically cares for approximately 100 animals but is currently over capacity with about 110. Food alone costs about $2,700 monthly, plus staffing, utilities, and other shelter expenses. The event also helps residents learn more about SAGA’s work.
In Kids and Pets, Kelly and Vaquita placed first with a handmade “Toucan Kelly” costume. Saffron and Freya took second with a costume inspired by Jessie from Toy Story, followed by Cartex and Nala as Jaguar and Ninja.
Maria and Sophie won Team Look-Alike with UPS costumes. Katherine and Lightning, dressed as Pennywise and It the Clown, tied for second with Gabriella Marin and Alianka, accompanied by Honey and Boss, with a tribute to Kisses. Pete and Peppa placed third as a shark and diver.
In Most Glamorous, Ben and Bella won with a quinceañera costume. Bella, who is 15, is retiring from the competition this year. Laura and Nala placed second in peacock costumes, while Alan and Albina took third in angel costumes. Albina is blind and deaf.
Tula and Papi won Funniest with “Papiflies” and earned Best in Show. Alexia and Koba placed second as an ice cream sundae, while Beth and George Jones finished third as a baked potato.
Raffle tickets ranged from $5 to $10 depending on the prize. Silent auction offerings included sunset sailing, two-tank dives, snorkeling for two, a $1,000 charter and goodie bag courtesy of Go Fish Belize, and Captain Sharks gift certificates. Attendees could also purchase food, drinks, and apparel for pets and people. All participating children received goodie bags.
First-place winners in each category received prizes valued at $150, while second- and third-place winners received prizes valued at $100 and $75, respectively. The Best in Show prize was valued at $200. Local businesses contributed goods, services, meals, and other prizes.
“This is a community outreach fundraiser, but it also helps support us during the slow months. We would not be here today without our community, our island community, and we are so thankful for their generosity and their kindness,” Jamison said.
SAGA’s upcoming major events include a birthday fundraiser for musician Kelly McGuire in February and a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser in May. The organization said it avoids holding a Christmas fundraiser so other local charities can receive community support during that period.
With demand for animal care continuing to rise, events like the Spooktacular remain an important source of funding and public awareness for SAGA.