LILESVILLE — Morning thunderstorms gave way to sunny skies Saturday, allowing local animal lovers to paddle Blewett Falls for a fundraiser.
Richmond County Operation Fix hosted its inaugural Paddle for Paws event, organized by Hanna Marks, vice president of the group, who combined her passions for kayaking and pets.
After a meal from Burger Bros (Puckered Up Lemonade was also on site), 14 kayakers put in at the boat landing on the Anson County side of Blewett Falls Lake and paddled around “Big Island,” with Scotty Baldwin trolling his boat nearby in case anyone needed help.
Among the paddlers was Anthony Bristow, who kayaked along the Pee Dee River from Roberdel to Georgetown, South Carolina, in 2016.
The event, sponsored by Ruest Realty Company, raised $1,347.91, according to Operation Fix founder Allison Story. She said that amount is enough to cover 10 spays for large dogs or 18 spays or neuters for cats.
Formerly Richmond County Animal Advocates, the name and mission of the organization was changed several years ago to focus on quelling the unwanted pet population by helping owners get their animals fixed.
Operation Fix raised $3,291 earlier this year with its Spayghetti Dinner and was also the recipient of funds from Hamlet’s Walk and Wag.
In addition to the paddle, the group also collected four large lawn bags of trash from around the landing and along the river.
