Despite the terrible weather, a cadre of volunteers and supporters came to the Branford Green to lend a hand to Woofstock, the Dan Cosgrove Branford Animal Shelter’s largest annual fundraiser.
“The weather is something we can’t control,” said Shelter director Laura Burban, who got a little wet during the early rain. “We plan for a long time to make this a successful fundraiser and then it rains.”
As a result of the poor weather, several vendors didn’t attend, the music was cancelled and fewer people than expected attended.
The vendors and other organization had fewer people stopping at their tents.
However, the staff from Branford Veterinary Hospital were high spirited during the afternoon.
The staff of the animal shelter had a tough week. A few days before Woofstock was to kick off, a large quantity of gifts earmarked for the fundraising raffle were stolen off the front porch of a devoted volunteer who spent several months collecting the items in Branford and New Haven. “She collected $1,500 worth of items including restaurant gift cards, signed cookbooks, and donations from local businesses. It was heartbreaking,” said Burban
Posting about the theft on their Facebook page didn’t result in the gifts being returned, but led instead to an outpouring of support from people dropping off new gift cards and making donations. As a result, the raffle was very successful.
The Bikers Against Animal Cruelty had a display at Woofstock.
“EARS” – The Emergency Animal Response Service ambulance was on display.
B.O.N.E.S. Beagles of New England States booth.
“All things considered,” said Burban (center), “between the event sponsors, the previously received donations and the new raffle gifts, we actually received more support than ever.”
She’s with Zilla Monstilla (left) of Desmond’s Army and her beautiful Husky, Orca, and Renee Dinino of IHeart Media.
And this little girl didn’t let the rain bother her.
