Who: Animal lovers, beer connoisseurs, and partygoers
What: Pet Project Rescue’s annual fundraiser
Where: Summit Brewery
When: April 7, 2011
Why: To raise funds for Pet Project Rescue, a no-kill, volunteer-run animal shelter
Three years ago I adopted a dog from a rescue shelter. Before getting a dog, I hemmed and hawed over whether I should go to a breeder or a shelter. But after asking a friend (who is a compassionate animal lover and vegan) which I should look into, she told me about dog rescue shelters, how much support they need, and the horrible industry of puppy mills. So I went the shelter route and ended up with one heckuva dog. I’ve been passionate about animal shelters ever since. So this party for a no-kill animal shelter was right up my alley. Well, I love beer too. But more on that in a second.
Pet Project Rescue’s third annual fundraiser was beercentric as Summit Brewery played host and the historic St. Paul brewhouse on the Mississippi River was packed with animal supporters! The cheap ticket price ($20!) included six types of (unlimited!) Summit Beer and food straight out of my “things I often crave” list: Crave (no pun intended), Pizza Lucé, and Chipotle. Top that off with sweets from A Piece of Cake Bakery and a glass of 1919 Root Beer and it goes without saying that I walked out of there stuffed.
The party was completely sold out as nearly 400 supporters and volunteers attended the event. Silent auction items included everything from restaurant gift cards to a portrait session for your pet. I had to slowly walk away from that one. And the atmosphere was casual as DJ Hi Fi/Lo Fi spun tracks and guests mingled on long picnic-style tables.
PPR is a no-kill animal shelter that is completely volunteer-based and fosters animals before they’re placed in their “forever” homes. The organization got its start after Matt Stellpflug and Maia Rumpho-Stellpflug visited Isla Mujeres in Mexico and were deeply concerned about the dog overpopulation. They became involved in the Isla Animal Rescue and now work with the shelter to bring dogs here to Minnesota to be adopted. In 2009 they began working with local high-kill shelters to rescue and foster local dogs. That’s a lot more than most people accomplish while in Mexico!
But back to the party. Unfortunately no furry friends were in attendance (dang rules), but they were on everyone’s minds as I overheard many people chatting about their beloved mutts (I had my pooch on the mind too!). After I left the event, I signed up (full disclosure here) to be a volunteer. Now I can call myself a legit animal lover.
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