OXFORD – This weekend, a community nonprofit that spends the majority of the year giving back to the community is hosting an event to strengthen financial reserves in an effort to continue in its mission of providing medical care to the animals of our community's less-than fortunate.
The fifth annual SPAY-GHETTI Dinner will take place this Saturday, March 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the City of Norwich Fire Department located on E. Main Street.
Organizers of the event will provide the usual fare of Spaghetti made with red sauce prepared by the Biao family of New York Pizzeria of New Berlin; hand-made meatballs, salad, dessert pie and more.
While generating cash to assist those who seek out the assistance of All Animals Matter, Inc. is at the heart of dinner, the event serves as much more than just a fundraiser.
Oxford resident and All Animals Matter, Inc. fonder Diane Troxell indicates that representatives from Little Mews cat rescue and Chenango SPCA will be on hand to present informative dialogue and information to community members.
New for this year, Troxell says an offering of gluten-free entrees will be available upon request for those who require it.
“There will also be a 'Chinese Auction', raffles, and an all-around good time for pet-owners to come out and support the cause,” said Troxell.
And while an informal “meet and greet” of some pets seeking a new forever home though adoption will be on hand during the event, Troxell said that the adoption process will have to take place after the event.
“The need in our community for All Animals Matter is greater now than ever before,” said Troxell.
Troxell said that All Animals Matter saw a substantial increase in its number of referrals in 2014 as a result of decreased outreach programs like the SPCA's SNOOP program due to a lack of funding.
Incorporated in 2009, All Animals Matter, Inc. is a completely volunteer driven organization founded by Troxell, who operates with a mission of helping pet owners who do not have the means to provide necessary veterinary care to their animals. Foremost, spaying and neutering receives the most emphiasis, and Troxell leverages her relationships and rapport with local veterinarian offices to negotiate program incentives that address the over population of household pets and feral cats throughout the county.
Funds received from the dinner will be donated to the Krista L. Bartle fund, in memory of the Oxford woman who passed away suddenly and had a great love of animals. The fund provides assistance to owners of domestic cats and dogs and helps defray the cost of spaying and neutering. Money from the fund is also allocated to assist in emergency veterinarian medical care of animals who have sustained injuries such as being struck by an automobile or experiencing G.I. Blockages, being the most common.
In 2014, more than 200 animals were referred and treated though the All Animals Matter Spay/Neuter program, not including 60 animals that received emergency medical procedures though the nonprofit’s funding.
“We are not a charity, and we expect those who utilize our services to give back when they can – and many of them often do,” said Troxell.
While grants and fundraising does help, Troxell spends a great deal of time forging reciprocal relationships with those of the pet community including some local businesses like The Tractor Supply Company in the Norwich South Plaza. “This year they [Tractor Supply Co.] supplied hundreds of pounds of dog food to the organization – that was huge for us.” said Troxell.
“We felt compelled to start this program because of the exploding pet population in Chenango county.” She added, “We've helped a lot, but there are still a lot out there that we as a community can do. In the end, it's the animals that matter.”
Dinner prices are $8 per adult, $5 for children 12 and under, and children five and under eat free – the same prices as last year.
For more information or to donate, visit call All Animals Matter, Inc. at 843-9538.