On the Calendar
Second Chance Dinner Auction to Benefit Homeless Shelter Pets
March 25: Tickets are now on sale for Second Chance Animal Services’ 24th annual dinner auction. The fundraiser will take place at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center, and all proceeds will help homeless shelter pets get the veterinary care they need to begin their new lives.
Animal lovers are invited to enjoy an evening of fun helping pets. As is tradition, the event begins with cocktails at 4 p.m. with the opportunity to view and bid on auction items and take a chance on raffle prizes. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by the auction.
This year, a selection of gift cards and small, easy-to-ship items donated for the auction will be available for advance online bidding in the week prior to the event, with advance bidding ending the evening before the event. Second Chance is welcoming sponsors and item donations to help make the dinner auction a success.
In addition, Second Chance is once again asking supporters to consider purchasing a local restaurant gift certificate for donation to the event, an appeal called Plates for Pets it started during the pandemic.
The annual dinner auction is Second Chance’s largest and most important fundraiser. This year’s event will help medically needy shelter pets get the care they need, from vaccines to lifesaving surgeries. Second Chance takes in sick or injured pets that may be turned away from other shelters due to the cost of providing their veterinary care.
For anyone interested in sponsoring, donating an item, or attending the 24th annual dinner auction, complete information and tickets can be found at www.secondchanceanimals.org/dinner-auction.
Mobile Blood Donation at Baystate Wing Hospital
April 5, June 7, Aug. 2, Oct. 4, Dec. 6: Due to the holiday season and a surge in winter illnesses, Baystate Health’s blood supply has dwindled, and there is an urgent need for blood donors. The Baystate Health Blood Donation team will host blood drives at Baystate Wing Hospital on the first Wednesday of every other month throughout the year.
“When you donate blood to Baystate Health, your precious gift remains in our local communities,” said Nicole VanZandt, supervisor of BRL Blood Donor Services. “Please help us to ensure a safe and adequate blood supply is available by donating blood with the Baystate Health Blood Donor Program.
“There is no substitute for human blood,” she added. “Blood donations take approximately one hour to complete, including the interview, donation, and refreshments. To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, have a photo ID, be in good health (no colds or sore throat), and have not donated blood within the past eight weeks.”
Blood drives will be held at Baystate Wing Hospital, 40 Wright St., Palmer, in Snow Conference Room C. In appreciation, all eligible donors will receive a $10 gift card. For more information or to book an appointment to donate blood, call the Blood Donor Center at (413) 794-4600, and note the hospital location where you would like to make your donation when making the appointment.
Difference Makers Gala
April 27: The 15th annual Difference Makers Gala will be held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.
Since 2009, BusinessWest has been recognizing the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions through this recognition program. The 2023 Difference Makers was announced, and their stories told, in the Feb. 20 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com.
Tickets cost $85 each, and tables of 10-12 are available. To purchase tickets, visit businesswest.com/difference-makers. Partner sponsors for this year’s program include Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C., the Royal Law Firm, TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank.
