HAMLET — Richmond County Operation Fix had its most successful Spayghetti Dinner to date last weekend, raising double the amount from last year’s event.
Founder Allison Story posted Thursday evening that the Feb. 22 fundraiser at American Legion Post 49 brought in a total of $7,221.95, which includes $330 generated from a 5k organized by Ashley Jenkins and Georgia Cagle.
“Thank you to everyone that helped make this event happen,” Story said, acknowledging all those who had a hand in the event, from the kitchen crew to the other Operation Fix volunteers, as well as the sponsors and those who bought plates.
The event is held each February, which is designated as Spay and Neuter Awareness Month, and has been the group’s main fundraiser since 2014.
The main mission of Operation Fix is to reduce pet overpopulation in the county through its spay and neuter program. The group, formerly Richmond County Animal Advocates, also helps provide pet food and place animals in a caring home.
Last year, Operation Fix was able to spay or neuter more than 600 cats and dogs, including those from feral catch-fix-and-release projects in both Rockingham and Hamlet.
Funding for those projects included: $3333.54 from the 2024 Spayghetti Dinner; $5,000 from the county budget; $500 from the Rockingham Rotary Club; $787 from the third annual Walk and Wag in Hamlet; more than $900 from its second annual Paddle for Paws; and participation in Belk Charity Days.
In December, the group raised more than $600 with its pet kissing booth at Christmas on the Square in Rockingham, and $300 with its Santa Paws photo fundraiser at the Hamlet Depot.
Operation Fix also has donation boxes at businesses throughout the community.
In late 2023, Operation Fix was gifted a van — dubbed the “neuter scooter” — by Griffin Dodge to help transport animals to the clinic.
Story told the RO that the date for this year’s Paddle for Paws has not yet been set, but the group is planning to hold the event at Hamlet City Lake for the second consecutive year. The inaugural fundraiser was on the Pee Dee River.
For more information on making donations or participating in the spay and neuter program, contact Operation Fix through Facebook.
