The Humane Educational Society has come full circle, according to Executive Director Guy Bilyeu.
Once a protective agency for both animals and children, the animal shelter is returning to its roots this week when it opens a new children’s educational center in a building that once served as a dormitory for neglected and abused children.
“With our heritage,” Bilyeu said, “it’s nice to get back to humans and animals in community.”
The grand opening is part of a two-day event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Humane Educational Society.
Today, the organization will celebrate its history and heroes with a fundraising party at Loose Cannon Gallery. The evening will include cocktails, dinner and dancing.
On Saturday, a free family day will be highlighted by the opening of the renovated building, named Weezie’s Way in honor of Louise P. “Weezie” Guerry and Chappell Guerry Kane, whose generosity helped fund the renovation and other projects there in recent years.
“They’ve been wonderful supporters of the organization,” Bilyeu said.
Also on display on Saturday will be the free-roaming cat rooms and cage-less dog environments that Bilyeu said have been his goal since taking over the reins at the center nearly seven years ago.
The educational center, he said, will allow for a variety of training, classes and programs that stress the need for kindness to all living creatures and the necessity to end animal overpopulation in the area.
Kane said Bilyeu and the HES board have made amazing strides in turning around the organization.
“What he has done for these animals and what it will translate to for these children” are exceptional, she said.
The HES board also handles more than simply oversight duties, she said.
“There not one of them,” she added, “who doesn’t do something for the animals.”
IF YOU GO
* What: Party Animal for the Animals (cocktails from Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, dinner from 212 Market and dancing with the Standing Room Only band).
* When: 5:30 p.m. today.
* Where: Loose Cannon Gallery, 1800 Rossville Ave.
* Admission: $75 each or $100 per couple; $400 for table of eight.
* Phone: 624-5302, ext. 241, or 443-6125.
* What: 100th anniversary celebration/opening of Weezie’s Way.
* When: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday.
* Where: Humane Educational Society, 212 N. Highland Park Ave.
* Admission: Free.
* Phone: 624-5302, ext. 241.