By Khalida Sarwari
Furry Friends Rescue wants the community to help save abandoned dogs and cats from crowded animal shelters. To do this, the nonprofit is holding a fundraiser at the Mountain Winery on Oct. 19, complete with wine tasting, live music and dog adoption showcases.
The benefit, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will also feature booths, raffles, a silent auction and performances by Crosstown 5 and Wonder Bread 5, who will do a special Beatles tribute. NBC Bay Area’s Diane Dwyer will host a Howl-loween dog costume contest that will be judged by 96.5 KOIT’s Charly Kayle. There will also be treats and goodies for dogs.
The event marks FFR’s fourth annual Woofstock. Last year’s event drew 1,000 people and raised about $10,000, according to Emily Verna, FFR’s president. This year’s proceeds will go toward saving abandoned dogs and cats, as well as FFR’s Miracle Club, which provides vet care, surgery, hospitalization and boarding to the neediest animals that are rescued from animal shelters.
FFR has been dedicated to the rescue, sanctuary and adoption of animals in Northern California since 1998, helping to save about 13,000 animals since then. The organization typically home fosters about 100 dogs and cats of all ages and breeds year round until they are adopted. The animals, including those that have special medical and behavioral needs or have been neglected or abused, are rescued from overcrowded shelters and receive rehabilitation and vet care.
“Some with greater needs stay with us in a sanctuary home to live out their life,” said Verna.
Tickets for the fundraiser are $30 general, $15 for youth ages 11-18 and $2 for children age 10 and younger. Tickets will also be sold at the door for an additional $5 for general and youth. To purchase tickets online, visitmountainwinery.com/events.
The admission fee includes a taste of four reserve wines or soft drinks, treats and goodies for dogs and the dog costume contest. Other alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Parking is free.
For more information about FFR, visit FurryFriendsRescue.org.
