Etowah Valley Humane Society is encouraging supporters to “place your bets for homeless pets” as its Casino Night benefit returns Feb. 15. The fundraiser will be presented at Sixes Tavern, 650 Henderson Drive in Cartersville.
“Casino Night is always a fantastic event,” said Deanna Berry, who serves as a member of EVHS’ board of directors. “The team at Sixes Tavern never disappoints, with an incredible buffet dinner and top-notch bar service. The casino dealers create an authentic Vegas-style experience, and the atmosphere is fun and relaxed.
“Plus, we have some amazing auction items up for grabs. We’re also thrilled to have Glenda Mitchell Law Firm returning as our presenting sponsor. Glenda and her team bring incredible energy to the event, and their enthusiasm adds so much to the night.”
EVHS’ director, Bryan Canty, agreed with Berry’s comments. He encouraged area residents to attend “because the EVHS Casino Night is about as much fun as anyone can have while supporting a noble cause — companion animal rescue.”
“Where else can you participate in casino-style gaming without risking your own money, bid on great silent auction items, eat like a king/queen and indulge in adult beverages?” he said. “Whether it’s blackjack, craps, poker or roulette, this event will have something for everyone.
“The dealers are there to make sure those in attendance make the most of the evening. They cater to everyone from experienced high-rollers to first-timers. If anyone leaves without having the time of his/her life, it will be their fault.”
Canty noted Casino Night has turned into EVHS’ “flagship event.”
“Proceeds from the evening go towards giving the best care to the great homeless pets in our care,” he said. “We do it for them and they deserve it.
“With all the misinformation that is spread on various social media platforms, it gives us an opportunity to enlighten the general population on the plight of pet overpopulation as well as educate on responsible pet ownership. Most folks have no idea of the role EVHS plays in saving lives and reducing euthanasia in our community.”
In addition, the event enables Etowah Valley Humane Society to connect with the community and forge new partnerships.
“Casino Night also gives the EVHS family a means of personally engaging attendees and inviting them to become a part of the EVHS family whether it’s through financial support, board membership, volunteering, or any of the numerous ways individuals and corporations can get involved,” Canty said. “EVHS could never have achieved, much less sustain, the phenomenal progress that’s been made regarding animal welfare in Bartow County without the support of animal advocates everywhere. It truly takes a village.”
On Feb. 15, Casino Night will open at 7 p.m., and casino tables will begin dealing at 8. The event’s tickets cost $75 for general admission and $100 for VIP. Further details can be obtained by visiting www.etowahvalleyhumane.org and the nonprofit’s Facebook page.
“Being a small nonprofit in a small town presents its own set of challenges,” Canty said. “EVHS receives no funding from any national organization. Margins off of adoption fees don’t begin to cover the costs of extending our existence.
“It’s imperative that we receive assistance in many forms from many sources. Casino Night provides EVHS with a concentrated influx of much-needed financial assistance that hopefully sustains us until our next event in March.”
Established in 1996 as the Bartow County Humane Society, the organization changed its name to Etowah Valley Humane Society in October 2006. This is the same year EVHS opened the 4,928-square-foot shelter at 36 Ladds Mountain Road. EVHS continues to serve as the adoption and rescue outlet for Bartow County Animal Control.
The nonprofit’s facility, which costs around $325,000 to operate each year, consists of two visitation rooms, a surgical suite, two staff offices, a cat room with 24 enclosures, a puppy room with 19 enclosures, 14 climate-controlled kennel runs, a quarantine room for young puppies and an on-site dog park.
“I am very proud of what has been accomplished in our community,” Canty said. “We’re only two months away from 24 consecutive quarters of ‘no-kill’ (sub 10% euthanasia) status. That’s right — April will represent six years of monumental success. I know of no other county in the 20-county metro Atlanta area that can make that claim.
“I want to personally thank all who have enabled Bartow County to maintain that lofty status — our licensed rescue partners, Bartow County government, transporters, animal advocates utilizing social media outreach and those who personally volunteer various skills to the rescue cause. They are our heroes and our great homeless pets have second chances as a result. Great things will continue to happen at EVHS and I invite everyone to be a part.”
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