This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Paws for a Cause - A Benefit for the Animal Coalition of Tampa (ACT)

Neighborhood takes ACTion to raise funds to help A.C.T.
“Paws for a Cause”

Residents of Seminole Heights have quickly jumped into ACTtion to help raise funds to assist in the rebuilding of the Animal Coalition of Tampa (A.C.T.). On April 19th, the A.C.T Building was burned and three (3) cats killed in a suspected arson. The fire caused an estimated $200,000 in damage and forced closure of the building and its services. The event, “Paws for a Cause,” will take place Saturday, May 31st, from 10am-2pm on the front lawn of the Seminole Heights United Methodist Church located at 6111 N Central Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604 (corner of Hanna and Central).

“For our neighborhood, A.C.T. was instrumental in helping us get a trap-neuter-release program started last year, which resulted in 41 cats being fixed. That means 41 fewer cats breeding and adding to Seminole Heights’ stray and feral cat population.  For the (Tampa) community as a whole, the fact A.C.T. has spayed and neutered more than 80,000 animals in eight years is stunning to me, ” said event organizer Susan Ladika.

The Development Office Manager of A.C.T., Karen Hubby, was moved to tears when Susan contacted A.C.T. to coordinate the fundraiser. “It was a happy cry, different from the crying we all had been doing since the fire and the loss of our babies. The needed help and support from others is helping us stay strong to our commitment to the animals and their families who need us,” stated Hubby.

“I am finding that the old saying  what goes around, comes around  is at work here,” said Linda Hamilton, Executive Director of A.C.T. “And I know without a doubt we will reopen for our community. And with competent and caring people like Susan and her team, we WILL be back, stronger than ever!” continued Hamilton.

The Free event will feature vendors, dog grooming, nail clippings, games, food, raffles, prizes… and much more! Guests are encouraged to bring their kids and friendly pets and join the fun… all for a good cause.  All Proceeds will be donated to the Animal Coalition of Tampa (501c3). All donations are tax deductible.

TO DONATE: You may also donate by sending tax deductible donation to: Animal Coalition of Tampa, INC. 1719 West Lemon St., Tampa, FL 33606 or online at http:www.animalcoalitionoftampa.org.
 
ABOUT A.C.T.: The Animal Coalition of Tampa (A.C.T.) provides, through many volunteers, vital services to the animals in our community. These medical services are provided at low cost by dedicated and caring people. Their heavily-damaged facility is in the process of being restored. They have lost equipment and furnishings. Sadly, they also lost 3 of their beloved resident cats that succumbed to smoke inhalation.

 A.C.T.’s Mission: “The mission of A.C.T. is to end the killing of dogs and cats as the county’s primary means to solve the over abundance of unwanted dogs and cats. To reach this mission, we offer non-lethal options at affordable prices. Low cost, high quality services include a full array of medical services such as spay and neuter, medical checkups, vaccinations, dentals, pet medicines, sickness treatments and a variety of complex surgeries. Our belief is that if people are given affordable and accessible options, they will do the right thing for their four-legged family members. Our knowledge is that there are, right now, too many animals losing their lives for no other reason than economics and lack of knowledge of the options.”


#######


We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Seminole Heights