Second Chance to Host Cocktails for Tails to Help More Springfield-area Pets
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Tickets are on sale for Second Chance Animal Services’ inaugural Cocktails for Tails, a fundraiser marking a milestone of its service to more than 40,000 pets in the Springfield community.
The event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 3 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Springfield Country Club in West Springfield. The evening will include live music, a silent auction, and raffle, as well as a variety of food and an open bar. Funds raised will directly benefit programs that provide access to care at the nonprofit’s Mulberry Street Community Veterinary Hospital.
CEO and founder Sheryl Blancato is extending an invitation to area animal lovers to come celebrate Second Chance’s commitment to Springfield-area pets and their families. Blancato noted that, “since 2015, over 40,000 Springfield area pet owners have turned to Second Chance for help for their pets.”
The event comes at a critical time for pets in the Springfield community, according to Blancato. “Rising inflation is severely impacting us all, but especially those on a fixed income. Our Community Veterinary Hospital on Mulberry Street is helping to keep pets with the people they love. The Mulberry Street location provides access to full-service veterinary care through reduced rates for those that qualify, helping to keep area pets and their families together.”
Blacato said Second Chance is grateful to the sponsors who are making the event possible, including Ted and Barbara Hebert of Teddy Bear Pools in Chicopee and Jim Herlihy of Herlihy Insurance.
“Barbara and I feel that we as human beings have an obligation and a responsibility to help our furry friends,” Ted Hebert said, adding that the couple, who have been longtime supporters of Second Chance’s work in the community, feel blessed to have the opportunity to help others. “We find that people that have compassion for animals have compassion for their fellow human beings.”
Jim Herlihy, a dog lover and owner, added that “I know the importance of having a family pet. Second Chance provides the services that all pets need in order to live a healthy, happy life. Without their work, many families could not afford to care for their pets and would miss out on the joy the pets bring to their families. Their training and education programs help to encourage the next generation of pet-care providers.”
Live music for the event will be performed by John and Christina Cantalini. Tickets cost $100 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, food stations, and an open bar. To purchase tickets, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org/events.