Upcoming fundraiser to benefit animal shelter

Jun. 23—SHARPSVILLE — After a year without public gatherings, local resident Tammie Krolicki hopes people will take advantage of the loosened restrictions and summer weather to support the Shenango Valley Animal Shelter.

The event, a tarot card reading and vendor show, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 10, at Thelma's Sports Nook pavilion, at 285 E. High St. Ext., Sharpsville.

For shelter officials, revenues from the fundraiser are sorely needed. The Shenango Valley Animal Shelter is planning a move to a larger facility near its current location along Broadway Road in Hermitage.

The animal shelter's board had planned to kick off fundraising for the new building last year, but restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic prevented large events.

The new building will have more space for animals and other amenities, which the shelter also needs — as of Tuesday, the shelter had 11 cats sharing seven kennels, with another 36 cats in foster care, and 15 dogs in 15 kennels.

Shenango Valley Animal Shelter also has pop-up kennels that provide temporary spaces for dogs, shelter Manager Angelia Sherman said. But even at capacity, shelter employees can't close the doors to new animals.

"It's a unique situation for us because we provide animal control for our member municipalities, so if the police call us about a stray, we still go," Sherman said.

Even with an eye on new building costs, the upcoming fundraiser is focused on immediate term costs. Proceeds will go toward general operating costs, particularly veterinary care expenses.

Sherman said veterinary costs are important because the shelter needs to address animals' medical needs before adopting them out. A single cat or dog could need thousands of dollars in treatment.

She said fundraisers like the one Saturday can be a big help offsetting some of the costs — a similar fundraiser organized by Krolicki and held at Thelma's in April of 2019 raised about $7,500.

"We were very excited, because we've worked with Tammie in the past," Sherman said. "She's a full-time mom and she works, and she still finds time to hold big events for us."

Krolicki, who has previously volunteered her time to organize fundraisers for animal organizations, said she had to cancel two fundraisers for the animal shelter and the Humane Society of Mercer County over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Everybody's been hurting, especially the not-for-profits," Krolicki said.

Entertainment will include psychic medium Tina Becher and four others who will perform tarot card readings. Three of the readers are already fully booked for the event, but Krolicki said two will perform walk-in readings for visitors.

"It's definitely something different," Krolicki said. "It's just fun, entertainment."

A Reiki master, Krista Wentz, will perform sessions for visitors, with 20 vendors, a 50/50 raffle and a basket raffle, with about 150 baskets donated by businesses and community members. All five tarot readers and Wentz will be donating 100 percent of their proceeds toward the animal shelter.

Other offerings will include a face painter, photo booth, and goodie bags.

Thelma's will provide food — hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork and sausage sandwiches — with a portion of the proceeds donated toward the shelter. Since Thelma's pavilion is covered, the fundraiser can be held rain or shine, Krolicki said.

"Thelma's has always been great," she said. "They've always been supportive of my fundraisers and that spirit of giving back to the community."

Like David L. Dye on Facebook or email him at ddye@sharonherald.com.

WHAT: Tarot Card Reading and Vendor Show

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 10

WHERE: Thelma's Sports Nook Pavilion

COST: $30 for a 15-20 minute reading