GRASP (Greece Residents Assisting Stray Pets) is holding their 4th Annual Painted Paws Art Show and Auction on Saturday September 23, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00PM. The event is held at the Greece Canal Park – Erie Canal Lodge. This art show and auction is an annual fundraiser that enables the nonprofit organization GRASP to continue helping stray and displaced cats and dogs in the Greece community. GRASP began serving the community 21 years ago when it saw a need to save unclaimed cats and dogs from euthanasia.
The seed of GRASP was planted many years ago when GRASP founder Barbara Pingree worked at the animal hospital where Greece Animal Control rents space. Many animals coming in through animal control were being routinely put down if they were not claimed by their owners. Barbara began working on her own to help find homes for the animals. The roots of GRASP began to form as a few other friends began working together in the mission to find homes for animals.
In 1996 Greece Residents Assisting Stray Pets (G.R.A.S.P., Inc.) was born. Today the group has many volunteers working in different capacities. GRASP remains 100% volunteer. They place an average 250 cats and up to 150 dogs per year. GRASP is committed to reducing the number of homeless pets in Greece by decreasing dog and cat reproduction, promoting responsible pet ownership, and placing homeless dogs and cats into compatible, loving, permanent homes.
The Annual Painted Paw Art Show helps the group continue its mission. Each year kitten season hits hard, during this season the group struggles with trying to care for all the pregnant cats, feral cats and kittens. They often face the challenge of having more cats in need of help than volunteers available to help. It also drains their resources.
Proceeds from the Annual Painted Paw Art Show helps the group replenish their pet food pantry and supplies. Tickets to the Painted Paws Art Show are $20. In addition to the art show there will be live music, h’orderves, desserts, a silent auction, Chinese auction, raffles and games. The art featured at Painted Paws is created by paw prints of GRASP cats and dogs, and then finished by an artist creating unique art pieces.
If you are interested in learning more about the Painted Paws event, becoming a volunteer or contributing visit the GRASP website at http://www.graspinc.org/.
