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Holiday Fundraiser For SPCA Shines Brightly

SPCA Suncoast photo

The bright twinkling lights surround the two SPCA Suncoast buildings and animal kennels were displayed on Nov 30. Although the festival is a success, raising more than $15,000, donations and volunteers at the shelter are still needed.

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By Jessica  Bair | The Suncoast News

Published: December 15, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - After months of planning and hard work by volunteers and staff, the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Suncoast says its inaugural Howliday Festival of Lights has so far been a tremendous fundraising success.

During the Howliday Festival grand lighting ceremony, traffic slowed to a stand still on Congress Street just before dark. Several hundred visitors showed up to witness the shelter grounds holiday display being illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights.

The strands of lights represent donations and sponsorships from the public and private business donors, says Lia Gallegos, a SPCA spokesperson.

Several dogs from the shelter that were dressed in their Holiday finery were introduced to the crowd and two longtime shelter dogs found adoptive families that evening.

SPCA Suncoast Executive Director Martha Murray says "that alone made the whole event worthwhile."

To date the campaign has raised more than $15,000, which will help the shelter continue to provide care for Suncoast animals in need.

The leaders of the no-kill shelter, however, want to remind the public that help is still desperately needed.

"We are so appreciative of the individuals and businesses that have supported the event and embraced the lifesaving work the SPCA performs every day," says Traci Theis, Howliday chairperson and SPCA board member.

"However, we are still looking for more volunteers and, of course, critical financial contributions to ensure our longevity," she adds.

The Howliday Festival will continue through the end of the month with special activities planned in the coming weeks.

On Dec. 15 and 16, from noon to 5 p.m. both days, there will be an adoption open house and a $15 ID microchip implantation clinic for those who wish to participate. Then on Dec. 22 and 23, 1 to 4 p.m. both days, the shelter will hold a donation drive that will feature pet photos with Santa.

Visitors will still be able to sponsor a light in honor of, or in memory of people or pets – or both – for $10 as new lights will be added throughout this month.

The Howliday lights will continue to be on display every night until Dec. 30 to allow the community to enjoy the festive event.

People who donate $20 or more will receive a free "Cat Sitter" or "Dog Sitter" DVD while supplies last courtesy of our friends at Animal Planet Pet Video.

Items from the animals' wish list that are needed urgently are cat litter, laundry detergent, exam gloves size large and extra large, along with blankets, sheets and towels.

For more information contact the SPCA Suncoast , 7734 Congress St., at 727-849-1048.
The shelters hours are noon to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

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