February is World Spay Month. The Humane Society of the United States offers this annual campaign to spotlight how spay/neuter saves the lives of companion animals, feral cats, and street dogs who might otherwise might be put down in a shelter.
Waterloo Alley Cat Project is celebrating World Spay Month by hosting its 4th Annual FUNdraiser on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland.
Waterloo Alley Cat Project is an organization consisting of volunteers that use the trap-neuter/spay-return system (also known as TNR) to help reduce the number of cats and kittens living on the streets of North Collinwood.
WACP has spayed and neutered over 200 cats since it’s inception in 2009. According to Waterloo Alley Cat Project volunteer Debbie Gulyas:
The cat population in the neighborhood is now decreasing and we have saved the lives of many cats. Through teamwork, our mission is to improve and protect the lives of all feral cats; and teach that all life is connected.
TNR is an effective way to humanely manage the feral and stray cat population. Traps are set to catch the cats. They are then spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies and their left ear is tipped (a sign that the cat is already fixed). Feral cats are then released back where they were trapped. Although not a rescue organization, WACP does attempt to find homes for the kittens and friendly adult cats.
WACP volunteers take TNR one step further. No matter what the weather, volunteers return daily to provide food and shelter for the cats. Sometimes they have to shovel their way in to get to the cat shelters. By returning to known feral cat colonies, the volunteers also keep a watchful eye out for any newcomers. The volunteers have other jobs, yet they always find the time to help kittens and cats in need.
Their annual FUNdraiser event is important, since it determines how much the project can do to help stray cats for the rest of the year.
The Waterloo Alley Cat Project FUNdraiser will start at 7 p.m. at the Beachroom Ballroom. 100% of the money raised goes to the care of Waterloo cats. Legendary TV personality “The Ghoul” will emcee the event, and artist Jake Kelley will DJ. There will be a basket raffle and silent auction, with items donated by local artists, businesses and individuals. Appetizers donated by local restaurants will be served. Following the raffle and auction, there will be a concert at 9:30 p.m. featuring 3 bands: Infero (Cleveland), Jimmy Ohio (Detroit), and Little Bighorn (Cleveland). Admission is $5 or $3 with a donation of canned or dry cat food.
Those who cannot attend but would like to help feed and provide shelter for homeless kittens and cats can send a tax deductible donation to: Northeast Shores Development Corporation, P.O. Box 19246, Cleveland 44119. Please specify in the memo section that this is for the Waterloo Alley Cat Project.
Watch the slideshow above to see just some of the cats helped by this great group.
The Waterloo Alley Cat Project FUNdraiser
Friday, Feb. 15, 2013
Starts at 7:00 p.m.
The Beachland Ballroom
15711 Waterloo Road
Cleveland, Oh.
To follow the Waterloo Alley Cat Project on Facebook, click here.
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