Nov 11, 2002 By Amy Karpinsky 3 min read

An effort that began with individuals from ARC of Fayette spending time with homeless animals has translated into much-needed financial support for a local animal shelter. Thanks to the fund-raising efforts of ARC of Fayette, a local non-profit organization, Fayette Friends of Animals, recently received a $1,410 donation.

Drane` Martin, program specialist at ARC of Fayette, said the fund-raising effort evolved after volunteers spent time helping out at the shelter.

Every Wednesday this past summer, several ARC of Fayette individuals, staff and a senior citizen volunteer played and spent time with the animals. They helped by walking some of the dogs and petting some of the smaller dogs and cats.

After hearing that the organization relies on donations to survive, families of the volunteers started sending in food and eventually the first fund-raiser, “Pennies for Pets”, emerged.

Martin said the staff, customers and visitors to ARC participated by donating their pennies for the pets. Every week, the ARC volunteers took money out to the shelter.

“We raised a few hundred dollars that way,” Martin said.

The organization also saved newspapers for the animals’ cages.

As a way to raise more money, a candle fund-raiser idea came about.

Martin said her main goal during the fund-raiser was to try to raise $500.

When that benchmark was nearly tripled, she said she was tickled to death.

“I was very pleased,” Martin said.

Martin said the organization was especially thankful to all individuals attending the adult training facility and their families and guardians.

She also expressed gratitude to the staff at ARC of Fayette, Fayette Resources, Laurel House and Mental Health/Mental Retardation for their fund-raising efforts.

Fayette Friends is a non-profit organization located at 1290 Connellsville St. in Uniontown. Flo Fronczek, president/director of Fayette Friends of Animals, said the fund-raiser was appreciated. She said the organization relies on donations and fund-raisers for survival.

Fronczek said the volunteer ARC Fayette program may be continued next year at the shelter.

The organization has six indoor/outdoor runners, eight cages for large dogs, eight cages for medium dogs, four for small dogs and about 23 cat cages. She said counting foster care, they have 50 cats.

“We are looking for a larger place,” she said. Although many people think that adopting a puppy is a good idea, frequently the shelter ends up taking the animals back after they grow into large dogs. Fronczek said during the holidays, puppies and kittens are very popular.

Anyone wishing to adopt an animal or volunteer at the shelter can call 724-434-1422.