The Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, Pine Grove, had many supporters Saturday evening for its "Pins for Paws" fundraiser at Strike Zone Alleys. The event featured glow bowling and auctions to benefit the animal shelter as it continues rebuilding after a fire destroyed its building in 2011.
"People get excited to get out of the house this time of year, and they all want to support Ruth Steinert rebuild," Diane Lenosky, one of the organizers and an organization board member, said. "People like to help."
Lenosky said 200 tickets were available for the event at $10 a piece, and it did not take long to sell them all. Ticket profits were split between Ruth Steinert and the bowling alley.
T-shirts, stuffed animals and other items from the SPCA were for sale Saturday and there was an auction for prize baskets donated for the event.
"We just want to give back and help because we love animals," Nikki Redman, another organizer and board member, said. "We heard Ruth Steinert had a tough time getting back on their feet and we wanted to help."
The organizers said the goal is to host a fundraiser once a month and hope to come back to the bowling alley in the fall.
That should not be a problem as Becki Gilbert, manager of Strike Zone Alleys, said the bowling alley frequently hosts fundraisers.
"It's our way of giving back, and it's a good way to get people in here who usually would not," Gilbert said.
She said bowling is an activity anyone at any age can do.
"It's a sport you can do the rest of your life, and it doesn't discriminate," Gilbert said. "It's a fun night out."
Rocket, a dachshund/schnauzer mix serving as the official mascot of the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA, was also at the lanes Saturday.
The dog was hit by a car when he was about 10 months old, and the accident left his rear legs paralyzed. Nearly 100 people came to adopt Rocket, but the only person the dog went to was Jim McKeone, president of the board of directors at Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA. McKeone adopted the dog about Christmas and renamed Rocket after Ryan "Rocket Man" Newman, a NASCAR driver who donates to animal shelters.
"He's the best Christmas present I ever got," McKeone said.
Now 5 years old, Rocket gets around with the help of a specialized wheelchair and attends many fundraisers and special events. He often carries a donation bag with him for his "Rocket Fund," which has been set up in his honor to help pay veterinary bills incurred at the shelter when they take in injured animals.
McKeone and Rocket visit nursing homes, schools and children's hospitals, sharing his story and educating people about the importance of rescuing animals, even those with disabilities.
"He's great for the kids and when we visit nursing homes, with him being in a wheelchair, that really relates well," McKeone said. "Children with disabilities also really relate to him and that works out well because he loves children."
For more information about the shelter or to ask McKeone and Rocket to host a presentation, call the shelter at 570-345-3540.