The cure for mid-winter blues

Posted
By Jim Wieszczyk So, here it is, the end of January, and you're feeling guilty about those unfulfilled New Year’s resolutions, right? Like the one to stop sitting home and getting out more? Or to be more supportive of local good causes? Or maybe the one about doing something nice for your spouse? Well, A Second Chance Animal Shelter (ASCAS) has the cure for your guilty conscience. Mark your calendar for 6 p.m. on March 2, and start getting your appetite and high spirits ready for their 7th Annual Lasagna Dinner & Silent Auction. It's not just dinner, but a full evening of food and fun, all to benefit the shelter's animals. You know ASCAS: they are your local and favorite animal shelter, providing a second chance for the unwanted and abandoned animals of Clarendon County. They are completely dependent on local support. The success of this dinner, one of only two major fundraising events ASCAS holds each year, is vital to maintaining their role as YOUR animal shelter. For the $15 ticket price, you can expect a full-course lasagna dinner, prepared on site by Chef Ted Brownell, soft beverages and a table-full of homemade, delicious desserts, so many the table will groan under their weight; a Silent Auction where you can bid on dozens of unique, very special items donated by local businesses and citizens who support the shelter--there's sure to be at least one you'll want to take home; a bountiful 50/50 raffle—the more chances everyone buys, the greater the prize; door prizes and a chance to win a unique, hand-made quilt; and most important, your chance to support ASCAS while enjoying a great meal and a rousing good time. All proceeds are used to continue the shelter's operation, which includes providing a safe haven for the unwanted or abandoned cats and dogs of Clarendon—422 of them in 2018—including food, needed medicines and medical care; maintaining the buildings, grounds and staff required to accomplish these goals; supporting the shelter's low-cost spay/neuter clinic; and arranging for low-cost adoption services and working with animal rescue organizations, both local and distant, to find as many permanent homes as possible. In addition, each year, the ASCAS Board of Directors seeks funding for one or more special projects that will enable the shelter to improve its services and facilities. Over 140 guests attended the event in 2018. Gather your friends and family and be there in 2019. Here's what you need to know. Tickets are $15, available until February 26. You can purchase them at The ASCAS Thrift Store, located at 537 S. Mill St.; The Monkey Grinder, located at 29 W. Rigby St; or the shelter, located at 5079 Alex Harvin Hwy, all in Manning, or Wen Lily's, located at 112 Main St. in Summerton. Did we mention that Chef Brownell is cooking? Festivities begin at 6 p.m. and last until all the desserts are eaten and winning bids have secured the auction items. Location is the Fellowship Hall at the Manning United Methodist Church, 17 E. Rigby in Manning. ASCAS is also asking local businesses and residents to donate items for the silent auction. Small or large, whether new or a special personal treasure, they all are important and will generate needed funds for the shelter. Contact the shelter at (803) 473-7075) or Anne Little at (803) 460-5535 for information. Your dinner will be waiting!