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<p>DUPONT &#8212; About 200 animal sympathizers gathered on Sunday afternoon to help their furry friends during Pet Fest 2017 at the Dupont Hose Company. Organized by concerned members of the community, the event raised about $5,000 for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Luzerne County.</p><p>It was chance for everyone to put their &#8220;best paw forward,&#8221; according to event co-chair Suzanne Hacko. She worked with her sister, Anita Budzilek, event organizer, and a long list of family members and friends to put the event together to raise money for the animals.</p><p>They started planning the event in September, essentially networking through social media and &#8220;knocking on doors,&#8221; Hacko said. &#8220;We love animals and want to help them.&#8221;</p><p>Attendees were treated to a wide variety of homemade foods including meat and pasta entrees and huge assortment of home-baked goods. Local restaurants donated food trays, and numerous baskets provided by several local businesses were raffled. There was also live music and refreshments.</p><p>&#8220;From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone for their donations,&#8221; she said. &#8220;No words can describe the generosity.&#8221; Pet food, pet treats, cleaning supplies and other pet care items were donated as well.</p><p>Hacko said they chose to help the SPCA because the organization is so overwhelmed with unwanted pets. Plus, she points to the volunteers who work hard to keep the place running.</p><p>One of the messages of the event was to implore pet owners to spay and neuter their pets to control overpopulation of unwanted pets, Hacko said. In addition, she and the other participants are asking concerned citizens to contact their local government representatives to fight for &#8220;tougher laws against rampant animal abuse,&#8221; she added.</p><p>Gregg Culp, a volunteer with the SPCA, said the organization could not function without the help of fundraisers and community donations. The money and supplies they receive will all be used for the benefit of the animals that arrive there continually. The donations will help defray the rising costs of the facility, he said.</p><p>Hacko added that after doing some research about the SPCA, she and the other organizers are confident the donations will not be squandered but used completely for the benefit of the animals and people who want to take care of them.</p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">Karen Borc, left, Lisa Skowronski, center and Cynthia Fink, all of Dupont, choose from raffle prizes they hope to win at the event where attendees were encouraged to put their &#8216;best paw forward.&#8217; </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_SPCA-fundraiser-2-2.jpg</photo0><caption0>Karen Borc, left, Lisa Skowronski, center and Cynthia Fink, all of Dupont, choose from raffle prizes they hope to win at the event where attendees were encouraged to put their &#8216;best paw forward.&#8217; </caption0><photoCredit0>Tony Callaio | For Times Leader </photoCredit0></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_SPCA-fundraiser-1-2.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Anita Budzilek, an event organizer, speaks to guests about raising money for the SPCA of Luzerne County. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo1>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_SPCA-fundraiser-1-2.jpg</photo1><caption1>Anita Budzilek, an event organizer, speaks to guests about raising money for the SPCA of Luzerne County. </caption1><photoCredit1>Tony Callaio | For Times Leader </photoCredit1></div><div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_SPCA-fundraiser-3-2.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Andrew Halko, 7, left, and Dillion Klush, 8, play with Tripp at a fundraiser for the SPCA of Luzerne County at the Dupont Hose Co. on Sunday afternoon. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo2>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/web1_SPCA-fundraiser-3-2.jpg</photo2><caption2>Andrew Halko, 7, left, and Dillion Klush, 8, play with Tripp at a fundraiser for the SPCA of Luzerne County at the Dupont Hose Co. on Sunday afternoon. </caption2><photoCredit2>Tony Callaio | For Times Leader </photoCredit2></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><subheadMeta>Organizer: Pet Fest 2017 raises more than $5,000</subheadMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Ralph Nardone</p><p>For Times Leader</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach the Times Leader newsroom at 570-829-7242 or on Twitter @TLnews.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Fundraiser at Dupont Hose Co. helps SPCA aid more animals