COEUR d'ALENE - The promise of a chance to soar in a sleek blue helicopter netted $4,000 that will help provide safe haven for scores of homeless pets in Kootenai County.

A ride in the private chopper, owned by Duane Hagadone, was one of the live auction items at Kootenai Humane Society's annual Tails at Twilight fundraiser Tuesday evening at the Hagadone Event Center.

The helicopter surprised and delighted guests when it swooped down, dipped, circled and hovered before the ride was auctioned off.

"With the floor to ceiling glass walls at the event center, it appeared as if the helicopter would land right in front of us," said Kerri Thoreson, event emcee. "Directing the crowd's attention to the beautiful view of the lake as the helicopter came into sight was great fun."

The auction prize chopper ride for six raised the highest amount of any item offered at the event. The auction package, which includes onboard wine and champagne followed by dinner at The Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course, was purchased by Paul and Beverly Berger. The Bergers' home on Lake Coeur d'Alene was the site of the 2009 Tails at Twilight event.

"It was an amazing flyby, the highlight of a fantastic event," said Rondi Renaldo, the humane society's executive director.

The high bid for the helicopter ride was equally stellar, she said.

Tickets sold out for the first time in Tails at Twilight's six-year history. They sold 505 tickets and raised $60,000 that will help fund operations for the animal shelter.

"We came in below our money goal of $100,000, but we're very, very excited about the $60,000," Renaldo said. "It shows amazing, tremendous support from the community."

She thinks Tuesday's rain showers dampened their fundraising efforts.

"But everyone still had a fantastic time, which is one of the great things about the event center, that you can pull everything inside," Renaldo said.

They will have to have another fundraiser, and are considering holding a "canine casino" event in October, with fake gambling.

The annual cost to run all humane society operations, including two thrift stores and the pet adoption center, is roughly $990,000.

The organization needs to raise $100,000 through fundraising each year to continue to meet those operating costs.

"We're not supported by the county as everyone thinks we are. We're not supported by taxpayers," Renaldo said.

They put $250 into each animal they take in, for vaccinations, micro-chipping and behavior tests. That does not include kennel and food costs.

The number of animals coming into the shelter has gone up recently due to the many foreclosures in the region, which leave many animals needing homes.

"We're moving them well. Adoptions are up by 60 percent, but it's all costing us more," she said. Those who couldn't attend this year's fundraiser can still contribute by sending donations to Kootenai Humane Society, P.O. Box 1005, Hayden, 83835.