Event raises more than $10,000 for Shenango Valley Animal Shelter

David L. Dye, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.
·2 min read
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Apr. 26—SHARON — The Shenango Valley Animal Shelter's second annual spring craft and vendor show over the weekend proved to be a success, with hundreds of visitors raising thousands of dollars to support the shelter's mission.

The craft and vendor show, held Sunday in the Sharon American Legion, featured 96 baskets and gift cards that were all donated to the shelter — all of which were subsequently raffled off, said Tom Hubert, chair of the animal shelter board of directors.

The event also featured a 50/50 raffle with about 30 or so vendors, along with food, music and a DJ.

"We had a steady flow of people all day, so it was a really good crowd," Hubert said.

Duane Piccirilli, a fellow board member, estimated about 350 people attended, with more than $10,000 raised.

Hubert said the fundraiser was one of the most successful in the shelter's history, with proceeds from the event helping to cover the medical needs, such as veterinary bills or supplies, of the animals in the shelter's care.

Stacey Squatrito, president of the Animal Protection League of Western Pennsylvania, helped organize the event.

Hubert said Squatrito and the APL were a "tremendous help" with making the fundraiser a success. He also thanked volunteer Helen Thellman for her willingness to help the shelter and her involvement with the event.

"We really appreciate the help of the community, because without their help, we couldn't do what we do for the animals," Hubert said.

Aside from raising funds for the shelter, Hubert said the event gave visitors an opportunity to meet the shelter's staff, including Manager Devin Keeley, who was hired in March.

"The staff and most of the board were there, and the APL and some other animal organizations were there for people to meet and greet — it was a very good day," Hubert said.

Anyone who won a basket or gift card but didn't collect their prize at the event Sunday will be contacted by Keeley soon to arrange a pickup.

Those prizes are being stored in the Shenango Township municipal building until pickups by the winners are arranged, Hubert said.

The Shenango Valley Animal Shelter is a nonprofit, no-kill shelter. If someone wishes to support the shelter in the future, another fundraiser — this time, a golf outing — is being scheduled for late July.

Updates on upcoming fundraisers, as well as other information on the shelter, can be found at the shelter's website, sv-as.com, or the "Shenango Valley Animal Shelter" Facebook page.

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