It’s a familiar story with a surprise twist for a Batavia-based nonprofit.
Volunteers For Animals had planned its very first vendor fair in early April 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and rendered all public activities dead. This is the familiar part for so many organizations that have had to press pause for their fundraising events. What happened this year is the surprise.
“We found out that the Downs and (Batavia Downs employee) Mary Bucceri were going to host it for us,” volunteer Angie Knisley said in an interview with The Batavian. “I think they felt bad about what happened in 2020.”
And the Puppy Paws Craft & Vendor Market was born. It is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Batavia Downs & Gaming, 8315 Park Road, Batavia. Cash donations, pet supplies and food will be accepted at the door. Admission to the event is free.
Proceeds from the event go to the destination of most VFA fundraisers, Knisley said: direct animal care. Rescued dogs and cats may need a veterinarian to treat wounds, broken bones or other injuries; vaccines required; dental or other medical services, Knisley said. VFA, a nonprofit organization based at the Genesee County Animal Shelter, pays for these expenses.
Zoey and Wasabi are two of the many animals saved through these medical services paid for by VFA. A tan boxer with white paws and chest, Zoey was rescued with a group of dogs from a hoarding situation. She was thin and tested positive for heartworm. A vet exam and X-ray discovered she had a severe case of heartworm, and volunteers brainstormed the idea of a long, risky, and quite expensive process to restore Zoey to better health.
The answer was yes. Zoey was housed with Diane, an animal lover who volunteered to take in, house and care for Zoey during her treatment. The two have bonded over the past few months as Zoey has gained weight and has come to enjoy her life. It’s perhaps no surprise that Diane is considering adopting her new friend.
Wasabi, a feline with bright green eyes, was found stray with severe hair loss and laden with fleas. She was treated, vaccinated and, with a new outlook and a “big” personality, Wasabi was adopted and welcomed into a loving home, volunteers said.
Knisley has not only heard and witnessed these stories, but she has also adopted rescue cats from Genesee County and other similar animal shelters over the years. Once she got to know the inner workings of VFA, it led her to become more involved, she said.
“So when I had the opportunity to take a closer look all the time, the care and funding VFA members have devoted to animal welfare, I felt I would like to help as I could; maybe kind of pay it back,” she said. “I think because I care about the welfare of the animals and their needs, and I have the time to help. I felt it was a good thing to do, being able to do something positive for them means a lot.”
The Corfu resident has been an active member of VFA for eight years, she said. Her role is to help with fundraising and she is looking forward to this first vendor fair. There are over 35 companies registered to date, including Gourmet Dips, Epicure, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Paparazzi, Artful Shenanigans, Scentsy, Touchstone Crystal, Lula Roe, Pudgies Lawn & Garden, Dead Stick Fishing Company and Tastefully Simple . Shoppers — maybe looking for a Valentine’s Day gift? — find a wide variety of products, from makeup, handbags, popcorn and Valentine’s Day gift boxes to sun catchers, photo packages and Tupperware.
Anyone who donates to VFA at the door will be entered into a draw for a $225 Stay & Play gift certificate to the Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel. All participants aged 18 and over will receive a free game for the arcade. Lunch will be available for purchase.
“The Downs really enhances Valentine’s Day with decorations. It’s a beautiful day and a fun way, if anyone wants to do a little Valentine’s Day shopping,” she said. “And it gives them the opportunity to learn more about the shelter and the Volunteers For Animals programs.”
The VFA will have a table with information during the event. There may be a few spots left to participate, and interested sellers can call Mary Bucceri at 585-344-6144 or email [email protected] for more information.
Top photo: Volunteers For Animals member Angie Knisley shows off Abby, a sweet five-year-old cat who was overlooked for adoption at the Genesee County Animal Shelter on Highway 5 in Batavia. She really needs a home, Knisley says, and would make a great companion. For more information on Abby and other potential pets, go to vol4animals.org. Photo by Howard Owens.