Successful ‘Caring About The Strays’ Benefit and Bazaar
To the editor:
“The measure of a society can be how well its people treat its animals.” This quote from Mohandas Gandhi describes the residents of Greater Pine Island whose support for island stray and feral cats is exceptional. On Oct. 9, Koucky’s Gallery and Gardens hosted a C.A.T.S. Benefit and Bazaar where four cats and two puppies were adopted. The animals were offered by “PAWS,” Lee County, and from the newly established Helping PAWS Animal Sanctuary on Pine Island. Debbie, vet tech from Pine Island Animal Clinic, presented an interesting and informative seminar about cat care. C.A.T.S. coordinator Edith Schulte offered tips on what to do if you find feral cats in your neighborhood.
For several weeks before and during the bazaar, raffle tickets were sold for a chance to win several large baskets and gift certificates generously given by island merchants and cat enthusiasts. Islanders enjoyed shopping from a table of quality new and gently used items and from several local artists who donated a portion of their sales to C.A.T.S. Island organizations pitched in with donations. All money raised will pay for spay and neuter services which will eliminate future generations of feral cats.
For more information about the animal sanctuary contact Marni at 822-4876. If you are concerned about a stray or feral cat in your neighborhood contact Edith at 464-3456.
Thanks to the ladies who came up with the idea and helped Edith pull all this together: Marian Costa, Barb Darling, Deb Iannucci, Nancy Koucky and Susie Quattro. Volunteers on Oct. 9 were Rita Davis, Leigh Reynolds, Sue and Alan Tomanek, Chuck Koucky and Rusty Darling. The successful event could not have happened without the generous help of island business owners and individuals: Winn Dixie, Pine Island Animal Clinic, Dr. Watson’s Liquor Store, Center of Attention Day Spa, Raymary Grill, NRK Designs, Pine Island Family Hair Salon, Little Lilly’s Deli, Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery, Master Drummer, Ndakhte Ndiaye, Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, TIB Bank, Pine Island Garden Club, Pine Island Elks, Sue Roddie, Pam Case, Lynn Berreitter, Judy Revercomb, Cynthia Welch, Marty Kendall, Diane Roberts, Lynne Thorson and Sue Monaco.
Barb Darling
St. James City