Humane Society benefit dinner nets almost $2,000

By Janet DelTufo, Staff Writer

Dr. Craig Trueblood won a free haircut during the raffle portion of the Humane Society of Wickenburg's benefit dinner at the March Hare restaurant. Trueblood said he wasn't sure if he'd ever get to use the certificate, so he gave it to his wife Jane.

About 50 people enjoyed a dinner at the March Hare Restaurant last week to benefit the Humane Society of Wickenburg and the animals it supports.

Donations of nearly $2,000 were received by the Society during a night that helped strengthen the board's vision.

"Everyone needs a little reinforcement every now and then, because it helps us to work harder," said Humane Society of Wickenburg Board President Natalee Rallo. "I just can't say how heart-warming it was to see so many people who care about what we're doing."

The dinner was made possible by the March Hare Restaurant and a few volunteers who worked tirelessly for several days leading up to the event.

Restaurant owner Maryfransis and Chef Kathleen donated the use of the restaurant and their time. Julia Holland, Gerald Rinehart and Philip Wiegel greeted guests, waited on tables, and washed dishes.

The March Hare Restaurant approached the Society regarding the idea of a benefit dinner, and it anticipates putting on a similar event perhaps in the spring.

All proceeds from the dinner will go towards spaying and neutering, miscellaneous medical care and supplies for the animals taken in by Wickenburg's Humane Society.

Immediate supply needs include kennels, dog houses, cat litter, food and food bowls. Foster families are also in need, as the Society is still without a building of its own.

The Humane Society of Wickenburg is a 501-3C non-profit organization and all board members are non-paid volunteers. All money that comes into the Society's coffers are used for the feeding and care of animals.

Currently, board members and volunteers use their own cars and gasoline to transport animals to and from veterinarian clinics, pay for long distance calls, and foster animals in their homes. The Society has so far adopted 30 animals in just a little more than four months.

Rallo said once the Society's tax-exempt status is accepted by the Internal Revenue Service, the board can begin a major fund-raising campaign.

"We haven't been able to do much in the way of collecting money yet," she said. "We've kind of been at the mercy of the IRS."

Rallo said there are other individuals to thank for the early success of the Humane Society. She said Dr. Rick Regusa of the Bar S Animal Clinic and Dr. John Oplinger of Wickenburg Veterinary Clinic have provided the Society with low-cost medical services. And in her off-time, Wickenburg Animal Control Officer Barbara Hawkins has provided foster services and other assistance.

Rallo said the community at large has welcomed the organization, and she is grateful for its support.

"We want to thank everyone and especially the March Hare and those who helped put the benefit dinner together," Rallo said. "We know how much work they did for not only us, but for a community that loves its animals.

"And we want to thank those who attended the dinner and contributed prizes for the raffle drawing," she added.

For more information about the Humane Society of Wickenburg, call 684-8801 or go to www.wickenburghumane.org where donations can be accepted via Pay Pal and adoptable animals can be viewed.

Those who donated for the raffle include: The March Hare Restaurant, Sunnyside Professional Auto Detailing, The Refried Bean, Ginny's Vitamin Village, Bobbette's Perfect 10, Paradise Tanning, Barefoot Soap Co., The Old Nursery Coffee Co., Quarterhorse Antiques, Jade Hawks' Angel Reading, Hacienda Hair Salon, Sue Lopes' Family Hair Care, The Old Livery Mercantile, Frank's Delicatessen, Councilman and Mrs. Creel, Angel Fields, Buckshot Babe's, Screamers, El Chorrito, Flower Barn, Trader J's, Sangini's, Copper State Cowboy, Joy Navin, Renderings, AJ Ironworks, Dana Burden, Ann Gee, Gerald Rinehart, Phil Wiegel, Hair Etc., and KwikPrint.

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