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Hitting the hog is going to the dogs
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By Lori Szepelak
Correspondent
Motorcycle enthusiasts are being sought for a fundraiser later this month to benefit Animal Shelter Renovation Inc.
The "Anything's Pawsable Motorcycle Poker Run" is slated on June 21, starting and ending at American Legion Post 338 in Southwick.
"I chose a Motorcycle Poker Run because it is a fun way to raise money and motorcyclists enjoy group events that benefit worthy causes," Laura Maceyka, director of public relations for the organization, said.
Maceyka noted during an interview with Reminder Publications that the event is the first fundraiser of its kind for the organization, and hopes it will become an annual affair.
"I would love to see 500 bikes at this event but will be happy with what weget for a turnout," she added.
Riders will take a scenic tour through northwest Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, before returning to Southwick. Registration is planned from 9 to 10:30 a.m., with the ride starting at 11. The cost for each rider is $20, or $25 with a passenger.
"The hardest part of planning a poker run is the weather," Maceyka said, adding, "Mother Nature has the final say in the success of the event."
Animal Shelter Renovation Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehousing of domestic animals who by no fault of their own find themselves abandoned, abused, surrendered or lost, according to Maceyka. A dedicated group of volunteers are raising funds to build, equip and maintain a no-kill animal shelter in the Greater Westfield area to aid in their rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Project organizers have set a goal to raise $400,000 to achieve this mission.
Maceyka said event organizers have not set a fundraising goal for the poker run, but would be ecstatic if they raised $5,000 during the daylong event.
"Despite the poor economy, people have been very generous at our fundraising events this year," she said. "We took in a little over $1,300 at the Quarter Mile event, and while we did not reach our target, we met people outside of the Westfield area who are interested in our project and in helping reach our shelter goal."
Maceyka added that "exposure" is just as important as funds to her in efforts to build the no-kill shelter.
"Westfield's contract with the Southwick Animal Shelter ends at the end of June and we are uncertain where the area animals will go at that point," she said. "The Southwick Animal Shelter is doing a great job with the shelter that they have in town, however, it is too small to accommodate the influx of animals from the city of Westfield and the surrounding communities. Our private, nonprofit shelter would be an alternative to locations in Springfield that are not no-kill facilities and that are already overcrowded."
In addition to the poker run, a disc jockey will be spinning tunes from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Legion, with the Carol Hahn Band taking the stage from 5 to 9 p.m. Memo's in West Springfield will be catering the affair which will include picnic fare ranging from hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and a variety of salads to ziti and baked beans.
The general public is also welcome to attend the picnic and entertainment portion of the event for $15, beginning at 3 p.m.
Throughout the afternoon, a host of raffles and drawings are also planned, with restaurant gift certificates, merchandise from local motorcycle stores and spas and other venues up for grabs. In addition to the general raffle, a 50/50 Raffle and Super Raffle are slated. Monetary awards will also be presented to the two best poker hands at the event.
For groups planning to attend the event, contact Maceyka
prior to June 21 via e-mail at pr_animal.shelter.renovation.inc@comcast.net since she wants to ensure there is ample food available for all.
Later in the summer, an Animal Shelter Scramble is slated Aug. 3 at the Oak Ridge Golf Club in Feeding Hills. An entry fee of $85 includes golf cart, buffet and prizes. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with a shot gun start at 12:30. All entry fees must be received by July 26.
For more information on fundraising events or the shelter project, visit www.helphomelessanimals.com.
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