"Bark for Art" -- and Maybe Meow for Music? Fundraiser to help Animal Welfare League

Animal shelters across the country are struggling to keep and help animals that have been abandoned or sadly abused or given up by owners due to economic hardship.  It's not only we humans that suffer when times are tough. 

In these more difficult economic times, own local animal shelter needs our help more than ever.   In Charlotte County it's the Animal Welfare League, that has served the community since 1963, by providing a temporary home, medical services and caring attention to thousands of dogs, cats and other animals.   The League relies solely on the generosity of the community to fund their operations and programs that not only help the over 5000 animals they receive every year, but provide valuable outreach for children and seniors and pet owners of every age.   They do not receive funding from the county or any other national or local organizations. 

Photos from Animal Welfare League

This Saturday the Punta Gorda art community is extending its help to support this fund raising effort and asking the community to join in for a fun event at Towles Plaza starting at 10 a.m., the first "Bark for Art" event.  According to AWL spokesperson Kathy Kresge the idea for an event came from Tim Towles, owner of Towles Plaza, who approached them with the thought of having a benefit for the animals in the parking lot of his plaza. "Knowing the type of fundraisers that were already on the drawing board, we wanted to do something a little different." Kathy told us, "And since our community is very focused on the Arts and there is a tremendous pool of talented artists, we decided to go for an Art event."

In addition to thirteen artists, who will display their art for sale (donating a large percentage of proceeds to the AWL), there will be a local author doing a book signing, a bake sale, a silent auction with donated art items and several “themed” baskets, and an hourly 50/50. Tim Goodman will be playing music. And the merchants in the plaza will be offering special deals to people that go into their establishments that day.

There will be a wide range of art on display including pottery, oils, charcoal, pencil, collages, sculptures, wood work, jewelry, cloth art and photographs.     Admission is free.  

If you go:  

Where:

Towles Plaza
2705 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda

When:

March 31
10-4 p.m.

Admission is free.