The Community Animal Rescue Effort’s 10th annual Spay-ghetti Dinner raised about $13,500 for the cause, and left organizers grateful for the turnout for Sunday’s event at Tre Bicchieri restaurant in downtown Columbus.
The event raises money for low-cost spaying and neutering of area residents’ dogs and cats.
“CARE is inspired and humbled by the community’s generous support and recognition of the strong need for low-cost spay/neuter options,” said Lia Elliott, the organization’s president. “While we did not hit that $15,000 target we had hoped for, we are confident that with the continued support of our community, local businesses, donors and volunteers, we can meet and exceed that target for next year’s event.”
While ticket sales for meals themselves were down compared to last year, other fundraising sources, including raffle ticket sales and corporate sponsorships, all increased, Elliott said.
More than 7,000 local animals have been spayed/neutered through CARE’s low-cost clinics since the first Spay-ghetti event. The gathering features a meal including a salad, spaghetti, bread, a homemade dessert and a drink for $12, the price of an adult advance ticket.
Already by mid-February this year, the all-volunteer CARE has spayed or neutered more than 200 animals, Elliott said.
