NORWICH – On Saturday, from 5–7 p.m. at the Norwich VFW, pet owners and lovers from around the county will gather in solidarity to raise both funding and awareness for a local nonprofit that's taken on its fair share of weight for thousands of animals in need throughout greater Chenango County.
For over a half-decade, All Animals Matter, Inc. (AAM) has conducted its business of compassion as an outreach for strays, ferals and pets of the area's less-than-fortunate in need of a hand-up.According to AAM founder Diane Troxell of Oxford, in 2015 alone more than 250 animals were spayed and neutered though AAM, and some 55 pets received emergency veterinary procedures with the help of funds channeled though All Animal Matter.
“It really all comes down to collaboration and relationships,” said Troxell. Troxell indicated that buy fostering a open dialogue and networking with several area veterinarians such as Compassionate Care in Norwich, and practices in Pittsfield and New Berlin, the nonprofit maximizes efficacy.
“These veterinarian practices have gone above an beyond by keeping rates reasonable so that AAM can assist in the cost of surgeries and emergency medical care for all animals,” said Troxell.
But the common bond of compassion for the four-legged furballs doesn't end at the vet's office.
In addition, AAM literally supplies tons of pet food to families and area shelters facing hard times. By working in conjunction with both pet food retailers and manufacturers, AAM leveraged those alliances in 2015 and secured food supplies in the thousands of pounds from Tractor Supply, volunteer donations from the employees of Frontier Communications in Sherburne in excess of 1,000 lbs., and a recent 2,000 lbs. donation form Chenango Valley Pet Nutrition located in the village of Sherburne.
Organizers of the event will provide their usual bounty of Spaghetti made with red sauce prepared by Baio family of New York Pizzeria of New Berlin; hand-made meatballs, salad, dessert pie and more.
“Our event volunteers put in a lot of effort to ensure the dinner's success,” said Troxell. “300 handmade meatballs, dozens of pies, salads made and donated by Bonnie Emerson of Oxford and pasta prepared by my daughter, Sarah Johnson Smith–FACS educator at Norwich City Schools–are all included in the price.”
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.
“While we are on a mission to raise funding for the cause, we also want to bring our donors who support us year after year front and center,” said Troxell. “Without their annual contributions AAM wouldn’t be the success that it is today. Representatives from the Chenango SPCA and Delaware Valley Humane Society will be on hand with some adoptable pets as well as information on how to adopt.
Troxell said “you'd be hard pressed to find someone who hasn't been touched by the AAM organization in Chenango County,” and the event is perfect opportunity for those beneficiaries to give back to the nonprofit. “Even if folks aren't interested in a great pasta meal, we'll be collecting donations all evening,” said Troxell.
Funds generated from the event will be deposited to the Krista L Bartle “4 Paw Friends Fund” which was established in 2012. Bartle was a 1998 graduate of Oxford Academy High School, and was a life long advocated for animals.
Event organizers indicate that a change of venue was implemented for this year's event in an effort accommodate even larger turnout. While the annual feat has traditionally been held within the City or Norwich Fire Department, this year the sixth annual Spay-Ghetti Dinner and Chinese Auction fundraiser will take place just down the street this Saturday, March, 12 from 5–7 p.m. at the VFW Post #2782, 61–63 E. Main St. in Norwich, across from the Tops supermarket plaza.
For take-out orders, please call 607-435-7788.