AARF annual dinner, auction Saturday

Lee Ward, The Daily Independent, Ashland, Ky.
·2 min read

Nov. 8—ASHLAND — Despite money-saving moves, Ashland Animal Rescue Fund continues to have need to raise money.

The next big fundraiser is AARF's Howliday Dinner and Live Auction at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Ashland Train Depot.

The event will include live music by singer and guitarist Griff Mason and a live auction conducted by Mark Breeding. The auction will include a variety of items, AARF Executive Director Cathy Queen said.

"We will have an array of great items that would make great Christmas gifts for family and friends," she said. "There are gift baskets, quilts, spa packages — there's something for everybody."

Those not interested in bidding on items may sponsor an animal by perusing a table of photos and information about AARF animals and bidding to help pay for their vetting to prepare them for adoption, Queen said.

Food will include pulled pork from Texas Roadhouse, fried chicken from KFC, rolls and a variety of sides, beverages and desserts.

AARF and Boyd County Animal Control recently joined forces to eliminate some redundancy and share resources to save money.

AARF continues to use, maintain and pay for its building at 12365 Kevin Ave. and to pay any part-time employees; those in the community work program will help walk dogs and clean and maintain the AARF facility, and AARF will be able to use the new shelter building under construction.

Still, AARF has veterinary and operational expenses.

Queen said she hopes the event will raise $10,000.

For animal rescues like AARF, fundraising must be non-stop, despite the generosity of the community, Queen said.

"A large portion of our funds goes to medical expenses and helps us to continue saving lives," she said. "We've been getting sizeable donations from people in the community to help us chisel away at our vet bill and help with operating expenses, but we cannot stop raising money. We always have to have something going because that's the way we have to operate."

AARF will have an online dessert auction before Christmas, and donations of various forms will be accepted:

-Checks may be sent to 12365 Kevin Ave., Ashland, KY, 41102.

-Donations may be made via PayPal at paypal.me/aarfky.

-Needed items, including Purina dog and puppy chow, Purina Beneful adult dry dog food, Purina One kitten and cat food, canned adult cat food, canned Pedigree puppy food, paper towels, bleach (labeled kills 99.9% bacteria), laundry detergent, Dawn dish soap and slip lead leash, may be dropped off at the kennel at 12365 Kevin Ave.

-AARF accepts gift cards.

(606) 326-2661 — lward@dailyindependent.com