Second Chance Golf Tournament, Online Auction to Fight Pet Homelessness

EAST BROOKFIELD — Second Chance Animal Services is inviting local businesses to partner in the fight to end pet homelessness through access to veterinary care. The nonprofit is looking for sponsors for the Second Chance Golf Tournament, its first live fundraising event since the pandemic struck, postponing the annual dinner auction.

The tournament will be held Saturday, July 25 at Heritage Country Club in Charlton and will feature Second Chance’s first online auction, where the business community can showcase their businesses and support pets in need.

Second Chance Development Director Lindsay Doray said the need is great right now for pets whose owners have been affected by COVID-19. “Our vet hospitals are helping so many pets right now. We know how important it is to help these pets at our hospitals to keep them in their homes and out of the shelter. We cannot let this become a pandemic of pet homelessness.”

Doray added that many pet owners relying on Second Chance community veterinary hospitals remain out of work or have seen their work hours slashed.

The golf tournament is already half-full, and Second Chance recognized there will be some who are not able to attend the fundraiser this year. In the past, non-golfers were able to attend the luncheon and participate in the silent auctions, but that won’t be possible this year, so Second Chance decided to add an online auction.

“There are some really cool items already,” said Doray, who is looking forward to debuting the auction in July. In addition to a pair of Adirondack chairs handmade and donated by the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, the auction will feature a copy of Caddyshack signed by Bill Murray, which was donated by a friend of Second Chance.

Second Chance encourages golfers to purchase tickets early. The tournament is limited to 76 carts, with golfers living in the same household able to ride together to comply with social-distancing restrictions. Check-in will be 7 a.m., and the tournament will commence at 7:30 a.m.

To reserve a spot in the tournament (singles or foursomes), or for more information on sponsorships and item donations, visit secondchanceanimals.org/events/golf.