‘Goats and Goblins’ family event benefits animal sanctuary

Oct. 27, 2021 | Lori Szepelak

Ollie and Teddy won’t be in the cow pasture in the early evening of Oct. 30, since volunteers at the Whip City Animal Sanctuary are planning a special Halloween program, including a trunk-or-treat in the pasture.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo by Christina Lafreniere

WESTFIELD – A special “Night of Goats and Goblins,” hosted by Kerry and Robin Plourde of the Whip City Animal Sanctuary, is slated for Oct. 30.

“This is a fundraiser for us,” said Christina Lafreniere, who serves as volunteer social media coordinator and co-coordinator for events on the farm with Kristen Wrisley. “We are requesting a $10 entry donation fee for each child.”

The family-friendly event, planned from 5 to 6:30 p.m., includes a black canvas tote bag with bubbles, tattoos, stickers and candy for kids, and a fun trunk-or-treat area in the cow pasture where “Teddy” and the newest member of the sanctuary family, “Ollie,” spend their days.

“Big Y is also donating sugar pumpkins for each child,” said Lafreniere, noting children can paint them at home or leave them out for the wildlife in their backyard.

“Our animals eat dinner at 3:30 and are then in for the night, but since this is a special event, we will have goats in the paddock area for visitors to pet,” said Lafreniere, adding, “We will welcome people to walk through the barns.”

Lafreniere noted there is a hand washing station located outside of the barn for visitors to use, as well as a portable toilet.

As Lafreniere and Wrisley continue to put the finishing touches on logistics, they welcome local businesses or organizations who would like to bring a trunk of goodies to give away. For inquiries about the trunk project, reach out to Lafreniere at christinalafreniere@hotmail.com.

“The money raised goes into our operating fund,” said Lafreniere, noting that visitors and donations decrease during the winter. “While we have secured hay for the winter, we still spend $400 to $500 per month at Westfield Feed that includes the purchase of pellets.”

Lafreniere also noted that veterinarian and farrier visits, as well as ongoing maintenance costs, are critical expenses to keeping the animals safe and healthy.

“We also have a larger goal of fixing our barn roof and having a secondary open barn for the horses,” she said.

For attendees turning out for the Halloween program, Lafreniere suggests wearing comfortable costumes and footwear they don’t mind getting mucky, since the ground could be soggy.

“Sneakers or rubber boots are best when visiting the farm,” she said.

Businesses also supporting this event include Ray’s Family Farm in Southwick, providing hay bales, pumpkins and mums for decoration purposes and Pan’e Dolcetti of Wilbraham and Camp K-9 in Westfield, both providing trunk goodies.

“I have also reached out to Westfield State University students, as well as the local high schools to see if they would like to have a trunk of goodies or to help distribute candy,” said Lafreniere.

The event is planned rain or shine. In the event of severe harsh weather, Lafreniere said a cancelation announcement would be posted on the organization’s Facebook page.

“We are currently planning to put together 100 canvas bags, however, we would ask that those planning on attending or are even interested in the event, should click on our link on our Facebook page with your intentions so we will have enough bags for kids,” said Lafreniere.

As part of the early evening’s festivities, a raffle basket with a host of goodies will also be available at three tickets for $1.

“In the raffle basket, the cup cozies were donated by Lily Patch Boutique, and the other items were donated by Kristen,” said Lafreniere, adding, “Hilltown Chic is also donating a bunch of hats for kids that night and we will be selling them for $15 each.”

 

Quarter auction Nov. 10

Sanctuary volunteers have planned a quarter auction at the East Mountain Country Club on Nov. 10, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by to check out the animals on the early evening of Dec. 3.

Lafreniere is also inviting the Clauses to stay around for a bit, so that visitors can be photographed with them.

The Whip City Animal Sanctuary is located at 232 Montgomery Rd., and welcomes visitors during designated hours, generally on Sunday afternoons.

“All of the details for our events are posted on our Facebook page,” said Lafreniere, adding, “We thank you all for everything you do to help us. We have such a great community looking after our farm friends.”

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