ROCKINGHAM – Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q in Rockingham was the site on Monday evening, July 30, for a fundraiser for Richmond County Animal Advocates, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
During those three hours, a sum of over $318.00 was raised, with 20% of the proceeds from sales donated to the organization which provides a multitude of services to pet owners and many animals of Richmond County.
Allison Story, who has been with RCAA since 2012, spoke about the three organizations that are currently providing services for animals in the county, but in different and sometimes overlapping capacities.
The Richmond County Animal Shelter is operated by the county, utilizing tax dollars. Statistics from the shelter show that there has been a significant decrease in the euthanasia of animals surrendered there since 2011 to the present, which is in correlation with the increase of animals that have been spayed or neutered in the county.
The Humane Society of Richmond County is a separate entity, operating as a nonprofit organization. It is sponsoring Back to School Night Out on Thursday evening, August 9 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at Pattan’s Downtown Grille in Rockingham, with 10% of its proceeds of sales going to HSRC.
The Richmond County Animal Advocates does not receive money from the county for operation, relying totally upon donations and fundraisers.
Currently, the focus for the RCAA is on the spay/neuter program, working with the community to prevent overpopulation. People on public assistance can receive reduced rates for vaccines and the spay/neuter surgery. They also are working with pet owners on “pet retention,” keeping the pets currently owned and providing dog houses in the cold weather, kiddy pools in the hot weather, as well as pet food for those on limited incomes. A dog food collection drive is held in the winter, bringing in over 2500 pounds last year. Traps to capture feral cats are also available through the RCAA.
Upcoming events for the Richmond County Animal Advocates include a Dog Wash/ Vaccine and Microchip Clinic at Tractor Supply on Sunday, August 19, which would be a great time to get your dog a bath and make sure its shots are current. A Charity Day at Belk’s on Saturday, August 25 will get you a $5 discount on your purchase, and a $5 donation to RCAA.
Allison was assisted at Smithfield’s with serving meals, cleaning tables, and providing tableware and refills by fellow RCAA members Cleve Baxley, Scottie Pait, and Tina Nielsen.
Donations can be made through PayPal to the Richmond County Animal Advocates, and volunteers are always needed. As many animal lovers there are in Richmond County, this is certainly a very worthy cause that could use any assistance you have to offer.
For more information, you can email Allison Story at rcaa.shelterme@gmail.com. The mailing address for the Richmond County Animal Advocates is P.O. Box 2652, Rockingham, N.C. 28380.
