North Shore Woman’s Club and Best Western Waterfront team up for unique donation to assist animals in need
The North Shore Woman’s Club of Fort Myers and the The Best Western Waterfront Hotel in North Fort Myers have gotten together to help animals in need by a unique donation – sheets for the Animal Refuge Center – which houses more than 400 homeless animals.
Incorporated in 1988, ARC is a not-for-profit, no kill animal welfare society, dedicated to caring for all homeless animals brought to its care at its 22-plus acre sanctuary in North Fort Myers.
“This worthy organization has such a daunting task maintaining and caring for more than 400 animals at any given time,” said club member and donation coordinator Marlene Laskey. “Our organization, The North Shore Woman’s Club of Fort Myers, decided to offer our support by collecting donations of food, cleaning supplies, and whatever the needs might be.”
She started calling hotels in the community. “We wanted to see whether or not they would be able to donate their old bed linens, towels, wash cloths etc. to our cause and my requests have been met positively by everyone I called.”
One local hotel that has really stepped forward is The Best Western Waterfront Hotel in North Fort Myers. Last week, officials from the club met with staff of the hotel to get and deliver donations of more than 200 sheets.
Best Western Housekeeping Manager Paula Brennan, working with General Manager Ashley Carroll, said, “She (Marlene) was touched by what was going on out at ARC and called to see if there was anything we could offer. We had outdated linens, so it worked out perfectly. I was more than happy to help ARC in our community.”
The women’s group chapter is known officially as the General Federation of Woman’s Club North Shore Chapter. The president is Lynne Campbell. “We’re involved in numerous charities but like to take on local projects,” she said. “Everything we do, including all monies raised, go right back into the community. It – the GFWC – is the largest women’s volunteer organization in the world for over 100 years.”
ARC officials said the donation was greatly needed, especially with cold winter months ahead.
In other ARC news, mark your calendar for its 17th annual Starlight Auction fund-raiser to benefit orphaned and abandoned animals housed at the sanctuary. The event will be held at Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort and Spa beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. Guests will enjoy a silent and live auction and spectacular dinner.
Look for more details in next week’s issue of The Neighbor.
The ARC sanctuary houses a Welcome Center, Canine Training Center, 12 feline facilities, 29 canine lodges and is home to more than 400 cats and dogs available for adoption.
For more information on ARC go to animalrefuge.com or call 731-3535.