Animal Welfare Group Holds Fundraiser for Animals at Risk
PINEHURST, North Carolina — November 6, 2017 — Witches’ Night Out, a ladies-only fundraiser for The Farley Foundation (TFF) and a Halloween variation of “Girls’ Night Out” was held at Forest Creek Golf Club, Saturday, October 28, 2017. Approximately 70 guests attended the event, which grossed more than $18,000 to benefit homeless animals in Moore County and help offset the costs of their rescue and adoption. A silent auction and raffle were held that included over 100 items such as Christmas décor and figurines, pottery, artwork, jewelry, golf packages and memorabilia and much more. Carolina DanceWorks featuring Michael Hasson and Jacey Warren provided entertainment.
Betsy Ficarro, President and COO of TFF said: “My husband and I want to thank every person here tonight for supporting our mission. The more animals we rescue, the more financial and volunteer resources we need; and more of both will allow us to rescue more animals. Your support is our lifeline.” She went on to express gratitude to the core of dedicated TFF volunteers who help her on a daily basis provide the necessary care and comfort for animals while awaiting adoption at TFF: “Volunteers are key to our success; our facility requires a minimum of over 80 man-hours per week to operate and we always need on-site help.”
John Ficarro, TFF Chairman and CEO added: “Everyone involved with TFF, be it through adopting one of our animals; volunteering time; or donating money have all helped make a significant difference locally. Because of these efforts along with improvements at the Moore County facility level and the good work of other local rescue groups, there has been a reduction in the number of adoptable animals unnecessarily destroyed in this area.We are moving toward a “no-kill” solution.” He also noted: “In a little over three years, you have helped TFF save 300 animals from likely destruction, most originating locally. Still, there is much more to do in this state and this region where “kill-rates” at local facilities are unusually high.”
The Moore County (NC) non-profit animal welfare group raised this money to support its mission to rescue at-risk, adoptable animals from area shelters and increase awareness about animal welfare issues, particularly the unnecessary destruction of adoptable animals locally as well as nationwide. At TFF, all rescued animals receive comprehensive veterinary and behavioral assessment; necessary vaccinations; spay and neuter services; various preventive treatments; other veterinary attention; daily exercise; basic training and intensive socialization. Mr. Ficarro added: “Our mission is to save lives and our approach is very simple: we focus on the best interest of each animal and nothing else.”
TFF operates in association with the owners of Seven Lakes Kennels who provide use of up to 20 large kennels at their boarding facility to help TFF its mission. TFF pulls at-risk animals from area shelters and cares for them at its shelter in Seven Lakes during the transition period and then adopts them out to suitable homes, primarily in North Carolina. Some animals are also transported to rescue groups in Connecticut and other northern states where the demand for adoptable animals typically exceeds the supply because of more progressive local laws relative to registration and spay and neuter of domestic animals.
TFF was founded in early 2014 by John and Betsy Ficarro of Pinehurst, NC. It is named in memory of their first shelter dog Farley, a certified therapy dog that was initially rescued in 2006 as a puppy by Cindy Bristow of Solutions for Animals minutes before being euthanized at a North Carolina county shelter. He passed away in 2013.
Photos courtesy of MYDI Photography.
The Farley Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 animal rescue organization founded by John and Betsy Ficarro of Pinehurst, NC. It is named in memory of their first shelter dog Farley, a certified therapy dog who was rescued as a puppy from a North Carolina county shelter by Cindy Bristow founder of Solutions for Animals (a Hoke County NC animal rescue non-profit) minutes before being euthanized and subsequently adopted by the Ficarros.