Pet Friends of Hollister will hold its annual Pizza for Paws fundraiser Sunday at Hacienda de Leal.
It’s the second-biggest fundraiser each year for the no-kill, nonprofit animal shelter at 2975 Buena Vista Road. The funds go toward the organization that is almost entirely volunteer run, with one full-time paid employee.
“This is our only lifeline to keep pet friends open,” said Jack Scutchall, president of the board of directors. “We have no other source of income but fundraisers and donations. I have to raise $110,000 a year to keep pet friends up and running.”
Scutchall said the organization is hoping to draw about 250 people to the event. It includes wood-fired pizza, complimentary soft drinks and a live DJ. A portion of ticket proceeds go to the nonprofit, which also raises funds at the event through a silent auction and raffle.
It is set for 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Hacienda de Leal, 401 The Alameda. Tickets are available at Pet Friends or Postal Graphics.
Scutchall said Pet Friends would still welcome donated silent auction items with the event just a few days away. He mentioned existing silent auction items such as foursomes of golf at San Juan Oaks and Ridgemark, along with several oil paintings.
It helps a lot for the organization, which runs the adoption services and a spay/neuter clinic, which is not a money maker. Pet Friends so far in 2018 had adopted out 22 dogs and 38 cats, he said.
“Without these fundraisers, I’m doomed,” he said.
Still, it’s just part of the yearly fundraising effort.
“if you do the math, if we make $6,000 out of this fundraiser, that doesn’t even cover one month,” he said.
While participants are asked to pay $30 for the ticket and are encouraged to donate more through the activities, it’s an entertaining event for all, he said.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s outdoors. Everybody enjoys it, has a good time.”
