Bradenton, FL (February 20, 2023) – Friends of Manatee County Animal Services (FoMCAS) held its annual fundraiser, Friendsgiving – a Dessert and Wine Auction on November 5, 2022. The event was attended by a record breaking crowd and beat last year’s profits to help the local shelter animals of Manatee County Animal Welfare. The event raised $25,000 which will go to help the shelter animals with additional resources, live saving medical care and heartworm treatment. This is the second year that the Friends of Manatee County Animal Services have held the event. Last year, 2021, the event brought in $22,000.
More than 30 delectable desserts made by local and professional bakeries and home bakers were available by live and silent auction. There were also gift baskets in the auctions, plus a wine raffle, and a cash bar. Local celebrity Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery, was the auctioneer. According to Caryn Hodge, FoMCAS board member and event co-chair, “It was such a fun evening! We were very happy to see how many people turned out to support the animals. We are so pleased that we were able to exceed last year’s proceeds and fundraise even more for the shelter animals.”
Friends of Manatee County Animal Services (FoMCAS) formed in 2016 and, in 6 years, the nonprofit organization has raised just over $600,000. The funds benefit several programs including: Grace and Friends Medical Fund, Heal My Heart for treatment for heartworm positive dogs, Slumber Fund to ensure every dog has a bed in their kennel, Traveling Paws which partners with northern rescues to transport our dogs to forever homes out of area, Enrichment and, Food for Ferals. The biggest need is the medical fund with 50% of the funds raised going for lifesaving surgeries, treatments and physical therapy for animals that would otherwise face humane euthanasia due to costs.
Board president, Kassandra Zess-Pagel states, “Friendsgiving is a celebration of all we have accomplished. Without the generosity of the community and funds raised through events like Friendsgiving we would not have been able to save the number of animals we have over the last six years. We thank everyone who helped us celebrate this huge milestone and all we have accomplished as a community.”
Next year’s Friendsgiving will be held on November 11th, 2023, at the IMG Academy Golf Club.
For event information or to learn about Friends of Manatee County Animal Services, visit www.fomcas.org or call 941-713-3105.
To donate auction items and desserts or to volunteer for Friendsgiving contact Caryn Hodge at carynhodgefomcas@gmail.com.
Friends of Manatee County Animal Services mission is to work hand in hand with Manatee County Animal Welfare to enrich the lives of the shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources, medical care, and heartworm treatment.