By Marie Nesmith Feb 14, 2024 | Daily Tribune News
Set for Feb. 17, “Paws Vegas” Casino Night will bolster awareness and funding for the Etowah Valley Humane Society. The benefit will take place at Sixes Tavern, 650 Henderson Drive in Cartersville.
“Casino Night is the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year and its success is vital to meeting our annual operating budget,” said Deanna Berry, who serves on the EVHS board. “We really do try to have something for everyone. It gives us a chance to highlight EVHS’ successes to the public, and give them an opportunity to help us with our mission of saving homeless pets.
“If you watch the news or spend any time on social media, you’ll know that animal shelters around the country are facing an influx of owner surrenders and stray intakes. For that reason, it’s more important than ever to support your local humane societies and rescues. They are overwhelmed and need as much help as they can get.”
In addition to casino games, the upcoming event will offer food, prizes, a silent auction and music. The benefit will open for dinner and cocktails at 7 p.m., and casino tables will begin dealing at 8.
“Folks love the premise of Casino Night as it allows them to participate in casino-type games without the risk of losing their money,” EVHS Director Bryan Canty said. “Add in great food, adult beverages and an awesome venue, and you have all the makings of a very fun and successful evening.”
Established in 1996 as the Bartow County Humane Society, the organization changed its name to Etowah Valley Humane Society in October 2006, the same year it opened the 4,928-square-foot shelter at 36 Ladds Mountain Road. The nonprofit continues to serve as the adoption and rescue outlet for Bartow County Animal Control.
The EVHS facility, which costs around $325,000 to operate annually, consists of a surgical suite, two visitation rooms, two staff offices, a puppy room with 19 enclosures, 14 climate-controlled kennel runs, a cat room with 24 enclosures, a quarantine room for young puppies and an on-site dog park.
“About 25% to 30% of our operating budget is generated from margins off of adoption fees, the rest must come from the benevolence of private donors, corporate sponsors and occasional fundraisers,” Canty said. “Every animal that comes through EVHS for adoption is fully vetted — testing, vaccinations, surgical alterations — before leaving the shelter. Providing the services to hundred of animals costs money. We typically outlay more money for vet services in one month than most folks will spend in a lifetime.”
Casino Night’s tickets cost $80 for general admission and $100 for VIP. Further details can be obtained by visiting www.etowahvalleyhumane.org and the nonprofit’s Facebook page.
“Companion animal welfare is not fiscally self-sustaining and the recent pandemic took a devastating toll on the resources necessary to care for the hundreds of precious lives EVHS is dedicated to saving,” Canty said. “Without the support of our community and animal lovers everywhere, we could never hope to achieve, must less sustain, the phenomenal impact our efforts have made on countless lives. It truly takes a village.”
