Sun 7/10 @ 2-5:30PM
For 20 years, Christie Lucco, the executive director at PetFix Northeast Ohio, had been working in the museum field, 17 of those years heading up the exhibits department at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2008, she started volunteering for PetFix Northeast Ohio and also served on the PetFix board of directors, helping them to raise money and offering oversight to the organization. Recently Christie had the opportunity to become the new executive director of PetFix Northeast Ohio, an organization she cares so deeply about that she of course decided to take the plunge!
“The importance of spay/neuter to ending pet homelessness and the unnecessary euthanasia of so many wonderful animals is something that I feel very strongly about,” shares Christie. “I just made a huge career/life change to follow my passion for helping animals.”
PetFix Northeast Ohio provides high-quality, affordable spay and neuter surgeries to all pet owners, plus free roaming/feral cat caregivers, dog shelters and animal welfare organizations who are finding adoptive homes for dogs and cats. Anyone in need of spay/neuter can give them a call at 216-732-7040. PetFix is a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on help from donors to do this work.
One of the great ways to have a good time and donate is at their fun annual event Sips for Snips. In its 3rd year, Sips for Snips is a fun event where people are able to bring their dogs if they choose. This year’s event will be held at Debonne Vineyards from 2-5:30pm.
“There’s something for everyone —tasty beverages and food for the people and games for the dogs, including bobbing for hot dogs!” says Christie. “We traditionally hold a larger and more formal fundraiser in the fall, but we wanted to come up with a less formal summer event where we could hang out outdoors during the beautiful Cleveland summer and enjoy wine with our friends and our dogs. What could be better?”
The goal of the event is to bring together supporters and engage with new people who want to get to know what PetFix is all about in a fun and casual setting, while raising money for the organization in a lovely setting. This is a benefit where animal lovers can mix and mingle while enjoying great wine, beer, food and live music played by Uncharted Course, featuring Kate Marvenko and Ed Parady. In addition to a 50/50 raffle, there’s a great selection of silent auction items available, including a Cavs basket, handmade dog bed, Michael Kors handbag, dog- and cat-themed original fused glass art, dog training and more.
“Our clinic in Euclid has continued to grow in popularity since it opened in July 2013, but we have yet to reach our potential,”explains Christie. “With help from donors and grant funding, we hope to be able to add a second surgeon to our team to double the number of animals and owners we can serve within the next year. We would also like to improve our transport program to reach underserved areas without access to low-cost veterinary care and/or with high shelter intake by working with partners like the Friends of the Cleveland City Kennel who can provide outreach into the community and a location for pick-up/drop off of the animals.”
In 2015, surgery fees covered only 63% of the costs of running the clinic. The remaining amount of money was raised through individual donations, corporate and individual matching gifts, fundraising events like Sips for Snips and foundation grants.
Tickets are $30 for drink ticket and appetizers, and $50 for the V.I.P. (very important pet) option that includes appetizers, gift bag for your pooch and unlimited drinks. Get your tickets HERE. The event will happen rain or shine, in a covered area.
PetFix is a nonprofit organization that provides high quality, affordable, spay and neuter surgeries to end pet homelessness and the need for unnecessary euthanasia.
[written by Kendall Embrescia-Hridel]
Madison, OH 44057
One Response to “PetFix hosts 3rd Annual Sips For Snips”
Susan mickovic
Great article