Bless the Beasts and Children charity fund-raiser raised funds and supplies at annual event in East Windsor.
By: Lauren Burgoon
EAST WINDSOR Both needy children and animals were the beneficiaries of the community’s generous spirit at the annual Bless the Beasts and Children charity fund-raiser.
The Dec. 22 event, co-sponsored by the Animal Friends for Education and Welfare (AFEW) and the Children’s Home Society of New Jersey, raised funds and supplies for both nonprofit organizations.
"I was thrilled," Marilyn Hondorp of AFEW said. "We took in quite a haul, probably four times as many donations as last year."
AFEW, which places animals in foster and permanent homes, received dog and cat food and other pet care supplies. The Children’s Home Society received $215 in donations, as well as coats, blankets, pillows, clothes and toys for children who are homeless or in foster care. The donations for the Children’s Home Society will be used for holiday gifts and for year-round special events, such as children’s birthdays.
Ms. Hondorp said the donations were so plentiful that Gil Phillips, director of marketing and public relations at the Children’s Home Society, could hardly fit all of the items into one packed car. She said each group also received monetary donations from the community.
"The day was a tremendous success and we’re extremely grateful," Mr. Phillips said. "A lot of people responded" to the call for donations. The Rev. Patrick McDonnell of St. Anthony of Padua in Hightstown was on hand to bless the two- and four-legged friends in need.
Bless the Beasts and Children was held at the Corner Copia nursery on Princeton-Hightstown Road for the second year in a row. Ms. Hondorp credited the "tremendous spirit of the community" with the success of the event.
"AFEW and the Children’s Home Society plan to make this an annual event," Ms. Hondorp said. The groups match up well because both are concerned with the proper placement of those in need, she said.
Mr. Phillips said he agrees. AFEW and the Children’s Home Society are "a neat combination," he said. "AFEW is dedicated to placing animals from foster care to permanent homes and the Children’s Home Society is dedicated to finding loving, permanent homes for children."
Mr. Phillips said the partnership between an animal adoption and a children’s adoption agency is the first he knows of.
AFEW also periodically sponsors a community van staffed with veterinarians to provide low-cost spaying and neutering. For more information and schedules, call (609) 448-5322.