Recently, the Humane Society of Marion County held their largest annual fundraiser at the Ocala Golf Club. Over 200 members of our community, board members, sponsors, volunteers and employees attended this old-fashioned cookout replete with food, music, dancing, a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing. Farm Credit, Ayres Cluster Law Firm, JC Morton Company, Laser Action Plus, Maureen and Ben Fischer, Richard Schreiber and many other generous sponsors helped make this event a success. Music was provided by HSMC board member Tom Schmitz who is the owner and president of Common Sense Network LLC. The delicious food was provided by Carey Ross of Davis Insurance.
The HSMC is the only no-kill, non-profit animal shelter located in Marion County. They provide all of the food, medical procedures, care and treatment as well as shelter for thousands of homeless animals each year. Their mission is to prevent the cruelty, suffering and over population of animals in Marion County.
This year’s ninth annual event raised $27,000 in total funds. Their 50/50 drawing raised $14,564. Congratulations to the winner who was presented a check by the HSMC’S Director of Finance and Human Resources, Mary Wrye. Mary also coordinates this incredible event each year under the supervision of Executive Director Bruce Fishalow and Board of Directors President Roseann Morton.
The evening’s silent auction was a huge hit. There was beautiful handcrafted jewelry, fine arts as well as paintings by David Keller. Wine was donated by Meeker Wine Makers headed by Lucas Meeker.
As Bruce Andersen, an HSMC director noted, “John Travolta’s signature transformed a $199 bottle of Merlot into a $550 price for our shelter.”
There were also beautifully handcrafted and painted wood works by the Finicky Flamingo and Two Sisters Vintage Thrift among others from a talented group of local artists.
In attendance this year was “Ms. D,” who is a loving puppy found by a Good Samaritan on the side of State Road 200. She was missing part of her leg, and HSMC was able to successfully amputate the remaining part of the limb. Now, she is a healthy and happy pup. This is only one of the many stories of lives saved by the generous donations given by our community at HSMC’S annual fundraiser and throughout the year.
The community continues to rally behind HSMC. They strive to educate our community, provide the necessary medical care for their animals and is a no-kill shelter in Marion County. The HSMC saves lives and gives hope to precious animals that would otherwise be abused, neglected, dumped or euthanized.
You don’t have to wait for the next big annual fundraiser to make a real difference in the lives of our furry friends. To make a donation of food or money or to volunteer your time, please go to thehsmc.org or call (352) 873-PETS. You can also add a member to your family by giving a forever home to one of their precious animals.
