- By Maggie Thomas
- Business & Technology
maurices at Elmira Road Shopping Center (next to Kohls) is hosting a pet-themed “Rescues & Runways” fashion show on September 27 at 6:00pm to help the SPCA of Tompkins County.
“This is a fun way to bring attention to a very serious issue in our community,” said Store Manager Erin Donnoe. “The tough economy is forcing some families to surrender their pets to animal shelters, while at the same time leading to decreased financial support for shelters. It’s a ‘perfect storm,’ and pets are feeling the brunt of it.”
The unique Rescues & Runways fashion show will feature models walking the runway with the latest fall looks from maurices, and a representative of the SPCA will be on hand to answer questions people have about pet adoption, volunteering, and other ways they can help.
While Erin Donnoe and staff hope people will stop by the fashion show to see the latest fashions, they also encourage people to bring donations of pet supplies. “Anyone who drops off a donation for the SPCA of Tompkins County during the month of September will receive a coupon for 20 percent off one regular-priced item.”
On a national level, the more than 700 maurices stores in 44 states will host pet-themed fashion shows in September, supporting local shelters and other animal agencies. “Given the crisis that animals and animal shelters are facing, we are confident they could use our help,” said Vivian Behrens, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of maurices. “By shining the spotlight on these animals -- and with our customers’ and associates’ passionate support for this worthy cause – I know we can make a difference.”
The SPCA of Tompkins County especially encourages donations of canned pate style cat food, all styles of canned dog food, and dog and cat treats for the four dozen dogs and four hundred-plus cats currently in its care.
The SPCA of Tompkins County was founded in 1902 to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. Since then, the SPCA of Tompkins County has evolved into an organization that shelters lost, homeless and victimized companion animals while offering educational and advocacy programs to our community. The agency combats chronic pet overpopulation, finds homes for all adoptable animals and provides resources for pet guardians to strengthen and celebrate the human-animal bond.
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