by Mallory Moad

It’s all in the timing. That’s a well-worn phrase that could describe a variety of situations, including the way in which Valley Animal Center’s upcoming fundraiser/adoption event came to be. According to Alisia Sanchez, Marketing Manager for Fresno’s nonprofit no-kill shelter, it was a matter of the right people being in the right place at the right time. “A member of Fort Washington Golf & Country Club, Kurt Smith, visited our shelter to learn more about our mission and the services we offer. Our Executive Director, Rob Piccolo, was on site, so the two met and discussed the organization,” Alisia explains. Impressed by what he and Rob discussed that day, Kurt suggested a golf tournament in partnership with Valley Animal Center to promote animal adoptions and awareness of the shelter. As luck would have it, many Fort Washington members are animal lovers, too. “They loved the idea of helping a nonprofit no-kill shelter adopt out as many animals as possible in one day.” So on May 2, Valley Animal Center Golf Tournament & Adoption Event will take place on the beautiful grounds of Fort Washington Golf & Country Club.

This year, Valley Animal Center is celebrating its 30th year in operation. Some may remember its humble beginnings as the Fresno Feline Foundation, a no-kill sanctuary for cats, located in a converted office building on the northern edge of downtown Fresno. Alisia credits the “generosity and support of the community along with the dedication and hard work of countless volunteers and staff members” for making it possible to expand and relocate. The name was changed to Valley Animal Center when dogs were included in the roster of adoptable animals. A veterinary clinic that offers spay and neuter services, minor surgeries and vaccinations, as well as a membership-based dog park have been added over time. Receiving no funds from government sources, Valley Animal Center relies on private donations, program services, and fundraising events for financial support.

The Valley Animal Center Golf Tournament & Adoption Event isn’t just for golfers or followers of the sport. There will be plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. There is no admission fee for the adoption event, which will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and you don’t have to be entered into the tournament to meet the animals or adopt one…or two… Raffle tickets will be sold for prizes that include gift cards, dog and cat baskets that are loaded with pet supplies, and other fun items. Delicious food will be available from PSP Grill and PS Productions and a variety of local vendors will be selling specialty items for pets and their humans, too. Mother’s Day and graduations are right around the corner and you could find a unique gift while supporting a group that finds forever homes for over 1000 dogs and cats each year.

Or who knows? You might just meet your BFFF – best (furry) friend forever.

Other rescues that will also be at the event are:

– Central California SPCA
– Paw Squad 559
– Bandit’s Buddies Rescue
– Animal Rescue of Fresno
– Bambi’s Army Rescue of K9’s
– Labrador Retriever Rescue of Fresno

For more information visit Valley Animal Center www.valleyanimal.org.

My name is Mallory Moad, and everything you’ve heard about me being an animal lover is true.

Mallory Moad is a visual/performance artist, vocalist in the jazz band Scats on The Sly and a proud Central San Joaquin Valley native.