‘Cause for Paws’ fundraising events held

Several vendors were set up at the Lawrence County Community Center May 21 to help with the “Cause for Paws” fundraising event.

By Lilly Adkins

BSN Associate Editor

Some of the children attending the “Cause for Paws” fundraising event enjoyed getting their face painted.

LOUISA — Approximately $2,700 was raised to help the Open Arms Animal Shelter in Lawrence County during two “Cause for Paws” fundraising events held at the Lawrence County Community Center May 21.

Events included a Cruise-In and a Swap Meet, as well as food, entertainment and cornhole.

Helen Holt organized a set up of crafts, direct sales, food, entertainment, music, free activities for the kids. Mountain State Reptile Rescue was also at the event.

The winner of the “Cause for Paws” Smoky Mountain trip was Marleen Oetzel.

“Thank you to all the volunteers who showed up to help,” Holt said on Facebook. “We couldn’t do this without you and it means so much to me that you give of your time to support our shelter. Thank you, Phillip L. Carter, Lawrence County Judge Executive for sponsoring us and the cruise-in and more. You were a tremendous help to us during all of this. Thank you, Randy Hall for going out of your way to help and make things happen. Thanks to Pamela Doty and Vince Doty for all you do for us. Thank you to Wes Kingsmore, of Lawrence County Tourism, for your help and donation of tickets to Fallsburg Summer Stage.”

Holt said there were “some glitches and misses, some cancellations and some unexpected surprises” during the events.

“Things didn’t go as planned but you know the old saying, ‘We plan, God laughs,’ Holt said. “Remember, this is not for me and other humans. It’s all done for the animals, so many of which so desperately need us. The proceeds from all of this will help tremendously with that so thank you all.”