Fourth Annual Saving Paws Benefit
by September 12, 2013 9:40 am 84 views
Ahimsa* Rescue Foundation (ARF), a 501(c)3 established in 2004 to place homeless companion pets in loving homes in eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas, is hosting its fourth annual Saving Paws: Fun, Food and Fangs on Oct. 5 from 6-10 p.m. at Fort Smith’s Riverfront Pavilion, Front Street and North B.
A live auction will feature a stunning, limited edition Blue Dog print signed and numbered by George Rodrigue. A silent auction will feature local products from local businesses and individuals.
“Spay and neutering companion animals is the only way to help lessen this growing problem of people dumping their pets and abandoning them,” says Teresa Morton, ARF founder. “Regretfully, shelters will also be necessary, but spay/neuter legislation must be enacted to even put a dent in the animal overpopulation and even that will take time. There will never be enough homes when one unwanted litter of puppies is born in America every 30 seconds. Prevention is the only alternative to collecting and killing. Controlling the pet population is not extreme. Killing the surplus is.”
Proceeds are earmarked for ARF’s on-going project to transform Hall One of a former Muldrow nursing home into an animal rescue and adoption facility and complete their much-needed, new receiving center. Since its inception, ARF has placed more than 2,000 animals in carefully screened homes.
Guests will “paw”ty to the music of local singer/songwriter Tom Ware and his son, Anthony. Local funny guy and ARF volunteer, Doug Shadell, hosts, while alter ego Momma also makes an appearance. Vegan and vegetarian dishes available as well as the soon-to-be-infamous homemade dessert bar. A chili cook-off will award prizes. Naturally Improv-Able will also perform.
“It takes a lot of money and volunteers to find these animals homes,” continues Morton. “We need a lot of both because we are breaking all records with the amount of homeless animals that come to us with many of them from Fort Smith.”
Tickets, which include food and drinks, are $50; tables (seating eight) are $500. All donations are tax-deductible. Tickets available by emailing [email protected] or visiting http://www.ahimsarescuefoundation.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/AhimsaRescueFoundation.
* Ahimsa means kindness to all living beings.
Contact Info: Tessa Freeman at 479-414-5757, [email protected] or Teresa Morton (W) 918-427-7404, or [email protected]