Whiskers ’n Wags Jubilee raises $79,000

The Fort Collins Cat Rescue & Spay/Neuter Clinic’s largest annual charity benefit, Whiskers ’n Wags Jubilee, netted $79,000 on March 28 to help finance the non-profit’s shelter and low-cost spay/neuter clinic.

Nearly 350 guests and 65 volunteers were in attendance at the “Meowsquerade Ball”-themed Whiskers ’n Wags Jubilee, held at the Marriott Fort Collins Hotel. Live music was performed by the Dolce Musica String Quartet, and dancers and magicians delighted the crowd with their talents. Hundreds of generous businesses and individuals donated items to the silent and live auctions. Nearly two dozen artists also donated their talents to create the crowd-favorite Grand Cat statues, which generated $2,700 in sales for the clinic.

The clinic presented the new “40 Mile Compassion Award” to Mike Weber of Fort Collins for “going the distance” with an act of compassion that made the difference in the life of a companion animal. Weber witnessed two cats being dumped from a vehicle near Horsetooth Reservoir while he was cycling on Valentine’s Day. He stopped and caught one of the cats and sat on the side of the road holding it for an hour while waiting for an animal control officer to arrive. The second cat was rescued two weeks later. Both have already been adopted into new homes.

The rescue has adopted out nearly 8,400 cats and kittens since its inception in June 2006. Its clinic has performed more than 33,300 spay and neuter surgeries on dogs and cats since it first opened in March 2007.

In fewer than nine years, the organization has grown to employ two dozen staff members and has an annual operating budget of $1.5 million. The Whiskers ’n Wags Jubilee fundraiser plays an important role in supporting the non-profit’s services and mission.

“This event would not have been as successful as it was without the support of our 40 amazing sponsors, including our presenting sponsors Petco Foundation and Clicker Learning Institute for Cats & Kittens, and platinum sponsors Poudre Pet & Feed Supply and Natural Balance Pet Foods,” said Sarah Swanty, executive director.

The rescue is located at 2321 E. Mulberry St., Unit 1 in Fort Collins. The clinic is at the same address, but in Unit 9. More information about the organization is available at www.FCCRSNC.org or call 970-484-8516.