Gamble for an animal

Local News

February 6, 2010

Humane Society to hold Casino fundraiser

Carly Farrell

AMERICUS — Black Jack won’t be just for Las Vegas and Atlantic City on Feb. 27.

South Georgia residents are invited to a Casino Night at the Pope Center on South Georgia Technical College’s campus, where there’ll be a full casino with play money, a silent auction, a souvenir cup, a beverage coupon, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a door prize.

All the good fun is to raise money for homeless pets — all the money raised — $50 per person to enter — will go to the Sumter Humane Society.

“I’m excited,” Sumter Humane Society’s Director Trisha Howard said. “We always have a lot of fun, and we need the funds really badly.”

All the proceeds will go toward animal care and equipment for the shelter, which, because of tough economic times, didn’t receive its $30,000 donation it typically gets from the City of Americus and Sumter County this year.

This will be the fourth year the shelter has hosted the event.

Last year, according to Howard, the fundraiser brought in $20,000, and Howard hopes to bring in more this year.

Howard said each year, the shelter receives 2,000 animals, and only 500 are adopted. She worries that even more animals will have to be euthanized if they don’t bring in enough money to support the animals they have now. Each animal requires food daily and veterinary care.

The fundraiser is scheduled from 7-10 p.m. Feb. 27.

For tickets, stop by the shelter at 108 Industrial Blvd., Americus, any local veterinarian’s office or tickets will be available at the door.

The shelter is looking for items to be donated to them for their silent auction. In the past, the shelter has auctioned off pet grooming and services, gift cards, art, hunting weekends, ceramics, trips and dinners. To donate, call Deb Oster at 938-7302.