Event Held at The Shoppes at the Livingston Circle Raised More Than $14,500
LIVINGSTON, N.J. – Friends of the Livingston Animal Shelter recently held its second annual Pet Expo at The Shoppes at the Livingston Circlein Livingston, N.J. Lending support to the family- and pet-friendly event were Eastman Companies, the shopping center’s manager and developer; Healthy Community Healthy Youth Initiative of Livingston (HCHY), the parent organization of Friends of the Livingston Animal Shelter; Livingston PBA Local 263; West Essex Tribune; and Livingston UNICO.
The theme for the afternoon event – which raised more than $14,500 for the Livingston Animal Shelter and resulted in ten pet adoptions – was “ADOPT–EDUCATE–RESCUE.” Those in attendance had the opportunity to adopt cats and dogs from participating shelters and rescue groups; enter their four-legged friends in a “Cutest Pet” photo contest for the opportunity to win a $100 shopping spree at Choice Pet Supply; and enjoy live entertainment by “The Untitled,” a rock band featuring local middle school students.
In addition to 50/50 raffles, a silent auction and a bake sale, area restaurants – including Ike’s Bagel Café and Olive Garden – donated food for purchase to help raise funds.
Pictured (left) are volunteers from Eleventh Hour Rescue along with several adoptable dogs. (Right photo from left) Livingston Mayor Alfred M. Anthony is joined by Alan Karpas and Gerri Ann Petrullo of Friends of the Livingston Animal Shelter.
Participating shelters and rescue groups included Animal Protection League, Brendan’s Meadow Rescue, Cans for Cats, Cause 4 Paws, Choice Pet Supply, Eleventh Hour Rescue, ESP Pets, Greyhound Friends of NJ, Livingston Animal Hospital, Livingston Animal Shelter, Mind of Dog, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, Newark Associated Humane Society, NJ Division of Fire Safety Arson/K-9 Unit, Paws Claws & Feathers, Paws in Place, Project TNR, Purfect Pals, Seeing Eye Puppy Club of Essex County, SHOW and West Orange Animal Hospital. Local community groups also were on hand to provide education and raise awareness.