◆ Enjoy a meal and live music all for the animals.
The folks at Lucky’s Place, the shelter which is home to the Animal Humane Association of Star Valley, are hosting their 15th Annual BBQ fundraiser dinner on Saturday, June 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Star Valley Ranch RV Park at 3522 Muddy String Road in Thayne. All proceeds go to assisting with animal care at the facility.
“We’ve been doing this every year for about 15 years,” shared Marianne Ahrens, founder and director of Lucky’s Place, in an interview with SVI on Sunday. Dinner, which runs $20 a plate, features “pulled pork, baked beans and slaw,” with a bake sale offering for dessert.
“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Ahrens. “Last year, we made about $15,000. The money mostly goes for [veterinarian] bills. We pay about $4000 a month in vet bills.”
The Lucky’s Place team will have several animals there that evening prepared for immediate adoption and finding a new home. Two local bands, including The B-Side, will be on site playing live music.
The Animal Humane Association of Star Valley started in 2003 with the Doggone Ranch at Ahrens’ home. With support from the interested community members, the Lucky’s Place shelter, now located near the Lincoln County Landfill off of County Road 126 in Bedford, was completed in 2008. With five part-time employees and benefiting from the service of an army of volunteers, Lucky’s Place continues to grow, housing nearly 40 dogs and twice as many cats at press time.
“Before Lucky’s Place, the animals didn’t have anywhere,” shared Ahrens. But the organization has grown and continues to grow with the support of the Star Valley community.
Folks who would like to lend support beyond the fundraiser can offer cash donations, volunteer to walk dogs that need daily exercise, and register to foster animals that need a temporary home.
“Please come,” said Ahrens. “This is for the animals. It’s all for the animals.” Ahrens expressed gratitude to everyone who has lent support in the past – especially those who have helped in recent years. It’s made a big difference. “Please attend,” have an enjoyable evening and a good meal, and support the animals and the people who work so hard to make their lives fulfilling and comfortable.
For more information about the Humane Association, visit www.luckys.place.
