Foundation saves lives one animal at a time
by MPC
Special to The Mountaineer
Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation, Inc. held its first annual meeting Thursday, June 29, at the Waynesville branch of the county library. There were about 50 members and guests in attendance.
Eileen Bouressa, executive director of Animal Compassion Network in Asheville, was guest speaker. Her message discussed the accomplishments of Sarge’s membership in the few months of their existence.
“For a so-called fledgling animal welfare organization, you are the most organized and most focused of any group I have ever seen,” Bouressa said.
Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation was started last year when a small group of volunteers decided to rescue healthy adoptable cats and dogs that were destined for euthanasia at the county animal shelter. “We made a commitment to save as many of these animals as possible, and we are determined to build an adoption center where animals can stay in comfort and safety until they find permanent homes,” said founding member Nancy Bulluck.
Items discussed from committee reports presented at the meeting included the fact that the membership now totals 70 individuals and families. Rosa Allomong, membership chair, told the group, "The first step to helping the animals is becoming a member".
Fund raising activities were reviewed by Anita Snyder. “The Litter Box”, Sarge’s thrift and collectible shop, open at the Balsam Antique Mall since March, is growing quickly into a successful enterprise. Snyder also placed emphasis on the upcoming “First annual downtown dog walk”, to be held Aug. 12 at the courthouse in Waynesville.
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“So far we’ve raised more than $5,000 which is great, but we still need everyone to sign up to walk, and we need more sponsors whose names will appear on the event tee shirt. Our goal is to raise $10,000 with this event,” Snyder said.
Snyder invited attendees to download registration and sponsor forms from Sarge’s Web site, or to find them at veterinarian offices, local businesses, and the kiosks on Main Street in Waynesville. Anyone interested in walking or sponsoring the event can call 400-2502. The main item on the agenda was the election of the board of directors. Current board members who were reelected to the board include Rosa Allomong, Nancy Bulluck, Joanne Gregory, Sten Lundgren, Tish O’Connor, Nancy Rhoades, Anita Snyder, Doyle Teague, and Herb Trenka. Newly elected members include Gary Allen, Mary Jane Gibbons, Joe Linville, Mary Linville and Erna Lundgren.
Members of Sarge’s leadership say they welcome anyone who wants to help fulfill the mission of saving animals from euthanasia.
Information is available at their Web site, www.sargeandfriends.net or in the brochures available with the collection boxes at area businesses.
Reprinted with permission from the Mountaineer.
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