By CATHERINE DONNELLY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Friends of Animal Rescue on South Padre Island (SPI) started a fundraising campaign in 2019 to build a new structure to expand the square footage of the shelter’s space. It would also add on a boarding & daycare, a veterinary clinic/hospital, offices and an apartment (for a future veterinarian or boarder), plus a rooftop deck for a dog run and exercise area as well as an entertainment space for events and educational activities. Later that year, they bought the empty lot next door as the first step to make the dream a reality. They hope to break ground this fall.
“We couldn’t do what we do without the support that we get from the community which includes our generous monetary donors and those who donate items to our auctions,” says Sherry Pindard, Director of Operations for Friends of Animal Rescue. “And our volunteers work at the resale store and at our events and also spend vital one-on-one time with our animals.”
There are several major changes that will happen when the new building is open. The animal shelter’s footprint alone will be increased from 1,500 to 2,200 square feet. The resale shop will gain the 1,500 square feet that the animals were occupying. The offices will be moved next door as well. They will gain a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic and hospital which can treat the shelter animals but will also be open to the public. They will also gain a boarding and daycare facility. Lastly, with the rooftop area, they will be able to easily host their own events without impacting the animals in the building or needing to find a venue to meet at elsewhere.
OPEN HOUSE:
On Wednesday, June 19, Friends of Animal Rescue will have an open house for the public to view the finalized building plans and meet the architect Jerry Nelson from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. The organization’s board President and Vice President will also be there. The event will be held at SPI’s Community Center at 4501 Padre Blvd, SPI. All interested parties are invited to attend.
FUNDRAISER:
“Raise the Ruff,” the Friends of Animal Rescue’s annual fundraiser, will be held at Laguna BOB later Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. The fundraiser benefits the capital building fund for the new facility which will be located at 4900 Padre Blvd.
Dr. Zog will be the emcee and provide the musical entertainment. Tickets are $20 each and include an entrée along with admission to the festive event.
There will be approximately 10 live auction packages as well as a raffle. The public has been so generous that they were able to pull together some exciting, themed packages. For instance, the women’s package might have a nice piece of jewelry and hairdressing appointments for a year. The men’s package has fishing and golf and maybe a carwash. The daredevil package has a helicopter ride, parasailing and other items. The foodie package has gift certificates to restaurants from all over the island. Donations are still coming in so each package will be interesting and different.
For more information or to donate to the event, contact Sherry Pindard at (956) 371-2311. Friends of Animal Rescue is also recruiting for a full-time veterinarian immediately.
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