AGAWAM – Thomas J O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center is known for helping animals in Western Massachusetts cities, including Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke. The nonprofit organization will hold a Pours-4-Paws fundraiser at Crestview Country Club in Agawam on Oct. 17, an event to raise awareness and donations for animals in need.

Tonya Plumb, executive director of the Foundation for Thomas J O’Connor Animals, feels the event is important for the organization.

“It’s a good community outreach to get people out for the night and raise money for a good cause,” she said.

Each year, Thomas J O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center cares for almost 4,000 animals, including dogs and cats.             With this many animals comes a need for supplies and resources, and this event will help make sure pets have the care that they require to grow and thrive. All animals that come from Thomas J O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center receive vaccinations, are sprayed/neutered and have microchip implants. With the cost of these expensive medical procedures, it’s important for the organization to get as much support as possible to keep all paws happy and healthy.

Pours-4-Paws is a beer and wine tasting event sponsored by Polish National Credit Union, Freedom Credit Union, and Alyssa Lunghi, an independent insurance agent for Liberty Mutual. The event is open to guests aged 21 and over, and tickets cost $40 per person. The cost of admission will cover food and the alcohol tasting.

Iron Duke Brewing of Ludlow and Tin Bridge Brewery of Westfield will be providing beer and Hardwick Winery of Hardwick will be providing wine for the occasion.

There will also be prize raffles, including autographed Bruins and Patriots sports memorabilia. All proceeds raised at Pours-4-Paws will go to Thomas J O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center.

The evening will include a musical performance by Alex Tuohey, known as Alex2e, a self-taught singer/songwriter from Western Massachusetts who performs original acoustic works. After concluding several sets at the Big E fair this fall, he is including the Pours-4-Paws event as part of his tour dates in New England.

This year’s Pours-4-Paws event will be the first ever for the organization, and Thomas J O’Connor hopes to see success. Plumb shared, “It’s going to be a fun night. What’s better than beer, wine and animals?”

Pours-4-Paws will be held at the Crestview Country Club on 281 Shoemaker Lane in Agawam on Oct. 17, from 6 – 9 p.m. Tickets for the event can be purchased online only at www.tjofoundation.org.

Thomas J O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center are currently preparing for their upcoming 11th annual Pawzaar event on Dec.1, a holiday craft fair that will be held at the Chicopee Moose Lodge. Proceeds from this event will also benefit animals in the care of Thomas J O’Connor. Thomas J O’Connor can be supported year round by visiting their website. The organization can always use volunteers, monetary donations, and supplies.