Cause for Paws fundraiser set March 21 in New Philadelphia

The 18th annual Cause for Paws fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, at 6 p.m. at the Kent State Tuscarawas Performing Arts Center in New Philadelphia. The annual event is critical to continuing operations at the Tuscarawas County Humane Society.

Humane Society Director Haley Predragovich said all money raised at Cause for Paws will help fund the shelter and care for animals housed there.

“We are a nonprofit organization and receive no funding from the county, state or federal government,” Predragovich said. “We only raise funds through events like Cause for Paws and through community donations and some grants. Cause for Paws funds the shelter for the entire year. One hundred percent of the funds we raise go directly to the animals within our care. That means medical needs, day-to-day care and all those things. The money cares for the abused and neglected animals of Tuscarawas County.”

Cause for Paws is the only fundraiser hosted by the shelter each year.

The event includes opportunities to take home auction and raffle items, Predragovich said.

“We will have silent auction items, raffle baskets and live auction items,” she said. “Steve Cronebaugh has been our auctioneer I think from the very beginning, so 17 or 18 years. I know there are some large-ticket items along with smaller things, and there’s a 50-50 raffle.”

Cause for Paws includes dinner catered by Kent State University. Tickets are available by searching “Cause for Paws” at my.onecause.com. Tickets are $75 each through March 15, after which the price increases to $85. Full tables upstairs at the Performing Arts Center are available for 10 people for $950. A limited number of tickets are available, and Predragovich said people should not wait to buy.

The Humane Society is accepting donations for the night’s auctions, and sponsorships are available at varying levels.

Predragovich said the shelter’s work is becoming increasingly important to the community.

“We are seeing a lot of animals coming in right now, along with a decrease in the number of adoptions, unfortunately,” she said. “Along with just about everything else, the cost of dog and cat food, the cost of cat litter and pet supplies have gone up. Many people are just tapped out with how many animals they can afford to care for. Animals are being adopted by all means, yes. But the cost of everything has gone up tremendously, which means we’re seeing a lot of animals at the shelter.”

She said volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year.

Predragovich said the best way to prevent animals from ending up in shelters is to ask for help when needed.

“If you have an animal that you need help with spaying or neutering, or with vet care, please reach out to us,” she said. “We have help with recommendations for places that potentially have low-cost options, or we can help find a veterinarian as well. We always recommend spaying and neutering pets because they multiply very rapidly, especially cats.”

Predragovich encouraged community members to visit the shelter.

“We always encourage people to come to the shelter and see what they’re donating toward,” she said. “We always need donations throughout the year, and you can see the real need we have.”

The Tuscarawas County Humane Society is at 1432 Tall Timber Road NE, New Philadelphia. The shelter is online at tuschumanesociety.com and can be reached at 330-343-6060.

The Kent State Tuscarawas Performing Arts Center is at 330 University Drive NE, New Philadelphia.