MATTYDALE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The Central New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty against Animals has more animals and less staff than usual. On Friday, the Rail Line will be hosting “Music for a Cause” with Sydney Irving & the Mojo performing with all proceeds benefitting the CNY SPCA.
Currently, the SPCA hopes to have at least 100 people attend the event, with tickets available for $20 each. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and an auction.
According to CNY SPCA Events Coordinator Heather Parody, the shelter hopes to raise more than $2000 on Friday.
“Hopefully,” Parody said. ” Hopefully more.”
Friday marks the first time the CNY SPCA has hosted an event of this nature, but the timing is critical.
Currently, the shelter houses 150 cats and about 40 dogs — along with a number of other animals including birds and rabbits. Parody said their current occupancy level puts them in a difficult position for the future.
“We need to make sure we have space for incoming — we could get a cruelty call at any time,” said Parody. “It could be five cats coming in, it could be 20 dogs, it could be 100 dogs, we just never know what we’re gonna get. So it’s very important to keep some space available to keep bringing in these abused and homeless animals.”
The money won’t ensure these animals have an immediate home, but they will provide funding for much needed items.
Chief Investigator Bill Pulaski said the money will go towards basic needs.
“A lot of it, people don’t realize how much that we go through in food every day, plus we have to have employees to take care of the animals every day,” Pulaski said. “There’s cleaning supplies that have to be purchased, care that [the animals] need, shots, everything.”
Parody said the money will keep the lights on.
“Needs, keeping the lights on, the water bill,” Parody said. “Just basic necessary costs that we need to keep running the shelter.”
Amid the growing animal occupancy at the shelter, the organization has also lost three staff members.
“We’re very short staff,” Parody said. “We’re getting into a lot of overtime with the staff we do have, just to care for all of the animals.”
The Rail Line will cover the cost of the venue and the performance on Friday, so more funds will be sent directly to the CNY SPCA. The event starts at 5 p.m. and tickets will be available at the door.
