by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know we are having two upcoming FUN fundraisers back to back these next two Saturdays? Fundraising is an important aspect for a not for profit organization to help cover operational expenses ie. food, veterinary care for the animals, cleaning and medical supplies, maintenance issues including facility improvements, staff and volunteer training to provide better care, etc. And, then there are the unexpected rescues and cruelty cases that put a big strain on our finances. Our town contracts merely cover about ¼ of our yearly budget. We obviously have to rely on contributions and the support of our fundraising events to make ends somewhat meet. In years past we have had dog walks, tricky trays, rabies clinics, and our huge garage sales which became too big to continue. After all, there are those of us who are not as young as we used to be. We still attend Applefest and hold Pet Photos with Santa every year. And our annual mail solicitation is a life saver.
On May 30th, our first annual Weiner & Friends Fest is taking place at the Warwick Town Dog Park from 11am to 3pm. What is Weiner & Friends Fest? Apparently there are Weiner dog events all over the Country but none thus far in the Northeast so here we go! Dachshunds will be participating in races geared to their breed and their “friends” are all other dogs who are welcome to join in the fun activities beginning with a costume parade and contests including owner/dog lookalike, dunking for doggie biscuits, and Simon Says. In additions, there will be food trucks and vendors, Warwick Police K9 demo, floating dog trainer, Leslie of It’s Your Dog School for Dogs, 50/50 raffle and a chance to win an original Jody Whitsell painting of your own pet! Because this is our inaugural Weiner Fest, admission is only $25 per Family. All dogs in attendance must be leashed and have a waiver signed by their owner at the time of entry.
On June 6th Get Ready to Rumble at the ISPW Pro Wrestling event taking place at the Warwick Town Park from 12 noon until 4pm with a new wrestling match every hour. This event is being hosted by WTBQ radio for our organization with sponsors Fette Ford, Devon Management, The Computer Guy, Aaron & Heather Ubides and the Goshen Mail Room. With Food trucks and DJ music all for only a $10 entry fee per person. All proceeds will benefit our Critical Care Fund for those animal emergency situations.
Because we have to rely so heavily on fundraisers to see us through each year, we are seeking to expand our volunteer Board of Directors with fundraising animal advocates who have the ability, time and interest to devote to raising much needed funds for the shelter with new ideas for community outreach.
Please spread the word and join us at Weiner & Friends Fest for a tail wagging good time and at the Pro Wrestling event, like having Madison Square Garden in our Town’s backyard! “It’s all about the animals, folks!” Rupert Baron, Past President
Pet of the Week:
Cat Adoption Applications are available at wvhumane.org or call 845-986-2473.
