OAKHURST — It’s a little bit punny, and it’s for the animals, so stop by Western Sierra Nursery on Friday, June 28, for “An Evening of Whine and Noses,” from 6 – 8 p.m.
The fundraiser is sponsored by the Eastern Madera County SPCA (EMC SPCA) to support Brian Gearhart, their candidate for Honorary Mayor of Oakhurst. A donation is $10 per person goes towards Gearhart’s campaign, where $1 = 1 vote.
Live music by local musicians Larkspur, along with a raffle, treats including hors d’eouvres and no-host bar round out an evening of good friends and good times, all for a good cause.
The EMC SPCA is a local, independent nonprofit organization not affiliated with any other SPCA or Humane Society, and is supported solely through private contributions
This is the 6th year for Whine and Noses. EMC SPCA President Sharon Fitzgerald explained how the event wound up at the nursery.
“We had hosted it at United Security Bank several years, then at J. Carol Realty, but the event was getting so popular we needed a place that would accommodate more people,” Fitzgerald recounts. “Robyn and Mark Holland generously offered the use of the nursery last year and it was perfect.”
The venue is lush with winding pathways marked by intimate seating areas, fountains, sculpture and archways. In short, it’s the perfect place for a summer party. Live music is a big plus.
“We like to have live music that appeals to everyone and Robyn suggested we call Larkspur to see if they would be available last year. Luckily they are also available this year and back by popular demand. They play a wide variety of music, all of it easy to listen to.”
Raffle tickets are also available at The Cat’s Meow or from EMC SPCA volunteers on Whine and Noses night.
“We will also have literature available for those interested in supporting the shelter project through naming opportunities,” says Fitzgerald, explaining how the program will work. “There are many ways to honor a person or pet by having their name permanently on a part of the shelter. We kicked off the major fundraising campaign for the shelter on June 2nd so all donations not otherwise earmarked by the donors will go toward building the shelter.”
The organization has envisioned a shelter to be built on Highway 49 across from Wasuma Elementary School in Ahwahnee. Recently they met all the requirements to expedite the process, receiving a conditional use permit from Madera County. Local architect Alan Hendry is working on the plans, expected to be ready later this year.
Established in 1990, the EMC SPCA is dedicated to ensuring the humane treatment of all animals and provides a safe and nurturing environment for unwanted, abandoned and mistreated pets until they can be placed in loving homes.
“Through proactive intervention, public education and public outreach, the EMC SPCA seeks to promote respect for all life by breaking the cycle of abuse, neglect and pet overpopulation in our community,” according to the EMC SPCA website.
