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Banquet benefits animal sanctuary

Feb. 24 I Heart Animals banquet at the Penticton Lakeside Resort will raise funds for Critteraid

If you love your pets, what better way to show it than taking them to a fundraiser for Critteraid.

The I Heart Animals banquet is a one-of-a-kind event where people bring their dogs along with them to dine in the ballroom of the Penticton Lakeside Resort.

“Last year we had about 60 dogs in attendance. It’s always a blast,” said December Foster, Critteraid board of directors vice-president and director of the Feral Kitten Rescue Program. “All proceeds from the banquet will benefit specific Critteraid projects.”

Critteraid was established in 1992 to provide refuge for unwanted, abused, abandoned and feral cats. The sanctuary is based on a 10-acre farm in Summerland where cats, dogs and livestock are provided a place to stay. Volunteers keep the animals’ lives free from anxiety, provide a healthy environment, see that they receive medical attention and encourage adoption to responsible people.  Every cat that comes to Critteraid is neutered or spayed and receives vaccinations and examinations from a qualified veterinarian.

The evening is sponsored by Total Pet and Lindsey Veterinary Hospital and hosted by Dennis Walker of Giant FM. Guests will be treated to the talents of Ryan Schick on the grand piano. After dinner, guest speaker Rob Laidlaw, founder of Zoocheck and author of several books, will hold a presentation. There will be a silent auction and other fundraising activities throughout the evening.

Joy Caravello of Petography will be returning for the annual banquet, doing pet portraits by donation. Guests are asked to sign up early to reserve you pet portrait appointment by emailing decee74@gmail.com.

The I Heart Animals banquet takes place on Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35 (dogs are free) and are available for purchase at Pet Pantry in Penticton, Country Corner in Summerland or by calling Deb Silk at 250-493-9752.