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Mardi Gras Benefit for Homeless Animals

            “Hurricane of Hope,” a Mardi Gras style benefit for local homeless animals is set for Friday, February 23 at 7:00 PM at the Legend Lounge, Howard Johnson’s Hotel in Toms River.  The address is 955 Hooper Avenue and is located near the corner of Rt. 37 East.  Tickets for the dinner are $35.00 per person with a cash bar at the adjacent Christopher’s Pub.  There are several entrée choices for this sit-down style dinner and there are a number of themed gift baskets available as well.  The event is presented by Tails with Happy Endings, a non-profit, all-volunteer group dedicated to the plight of local homeless animals and public education.

            “We are committed to providing food, shelter, love, and adoptive homes to as many needy pets as possible.  Public education and support in this effort is crucial, “said Beth Bonomo, co-founder for the group.  She added, “We like the Mardi Gras theme because it is a timely one, as Lent and Easter are soon upon us.  Our ‘Hurricane of Hope’ event name is in remembrance of the outpouring of generosity, love, and support for the helpless pets who suffered due to Hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans so hard.  We remember the families who would not leave their beloved pets behind, and those pets who suffered hunger, homelessness, sickness, and who died as a result of this national tragedy.”  Bonomo went on to say, “We have pets right here in our own community – strays, forfeited animals, shelter residents, neglected pets, and special needs animals who desperately need our help.  Our Township shelter is overburdened and it is the mission of Tails with Happy Endings to ease the shelter’s burden, educate our community members, and find as many adoptive, loving homes for these needy animals as possible.”

            Tails with Happy Endings is currently seeking a variety of items for those interested in making donations.  The “wish list” for much needed items at the PetSmart Adoption Center, where the group houses homeless pets and interviews adoptive families.  The volunteer staff needs paper towels, household cleaners, a small folding table, and kitty toys.  “We appreciate whatever the public and local business owners can help us out with, and no donation is too small,” said Bonomo.  “Right now, we have some lovely donated gift items and baskets available for our guests at the dinner and could always use a few more gift items.”

            To purchase tickets for this event, to make a donation, to arrange an educational presentation, or for further information on Tails With Happy Endings, please call (732) 330-6675.  You may write directly to the group at P.O. Box 1013, Island Heights, NJ 08732.