WHISKERFEST COMING TO WEIRTON — The Hancock County Humane Foundation will hold its third-annual Whiskerfest event July 26 at the Lauttamus Event Center in Weirton. Those on the planning committee have been meeting to finalize details for the foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year. Committee members include, from left, front, Treasurer Karen Rine and President Cari McIntyre; and back, volunteers Cheryl Russell, Joyce Znoy, Amanda Zirkle and Secretary Tami VanCamp. -- Contributed

NEW CUMBERLAND — Cats. Kittens. Felines. No matter how you refer to those fuzzy little animals with the pointed ears and the quick-like reflexes, they are often forgotten by our society, which has a tendency to lean toward dogs.

People can sometimes forget that cats are quite capable of loving their owners just as much as “man’s best friend.” And yet, fewer and fewer individuals are opening up their hearts, their homes, to cats.

As a result, there is overcrowding in animal shelters, strays living on city streets and too many dying because some humans have no shame in harming them. Why?

And then, there are those who care immensely. The volunteers who give their time, who give their money, who give their love to these unwanted cats and kittens left behind. They are the men and women of the Hancock County Humane Foundation.

The nonprofit receives absolutely no funding from outside sources, relying solely on donations.

WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE? — Volunteer Morgan Liggett spent time cuddling with a few of the kittens being cared for at the Hancock County Humane Foundation in New Cumberland. The nonprofit organization depends strictly on donations and volunteers to help care for the dozens of felines who are looking for forever homes. Liggett is one of many volunteers who donates their time to the shelter. -- Contributed

While having a pet can be rather expensive, imagine having to provide for more than 100 cats and 50 kittens with no assistance? And that is only the animals at the foundation. The organization helps those outside its agency as well. Yes, it would be an impossible task, if not for the generosity of area residents who donate.

And while these sporadic contributions are greatly appreciated, it is still not enough to cover the growing number of felines staying at the Hancock County facility. There is the cost of food, medical expenses and the bare necessities, such as litter, flea medicines, toys, the list goes on and on.

That is why those serving on the four-person board of directors came up with an idea … an event known as Whiskerfest.

The concept was created three years ago as a special evening where guests could enjoy food, drinks, music and the forming of new friendships with others who possess a love for cats.

And it worked.

IT TAKES EVERYONE — It takes all kinds of volunteers to care for the many cats being housed at the Hancock County Humane Foundation. There are numerous tasks which must be performed daily, including feeding, petting, playing, cleaning up after and bathing. Among those giving their time to help the foundation is Julie Uselton. -- Contributed

The fundraiser was successful enough that a bigger venue was needed for last year’s gathering, in order to accommodate the number of attendees.

This year, however, the need for funding is perhaps greater than ever before, as adoptions are down, and care is being given to additional cats because shelters are turning them away.

The public is being asked to attend this year’s Whiskerfest fundraiser, set for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. July 26 at the Lauttamus Event Center in Weirton.

The center, located at 1000 Colliers Way, will be transformed into a Hawaiian-themed event, with the theme “Sun, Sand and Saving Strays.”

The nonprofit’s largest fundraiser of the year will include Hawaiian appetizers, a buffet and a Tiki Bar. The event is being catered by T. Kosciuszko Hall. Desserts will be from Sweet Temptations and cookies made by Ila Nelson.

Disc jockey GCON will provide the music and drawings will be held throughout the evening, along with a 50/50 drawing. The Wheel of Catnip Fortune will make its return, along with the sale of T-shirts and other items.

Volunteer Amanda Zirkle stated, “As the Hancock County Humane Foundation gears up for its largest annual fundraiser, Whiskerfest, they are asking for support from the community. The foundation has been in place for more than 30 years and is completely run by volunteers, with oversight provided by a four-person board of directors. Their amazing volunteers complete a variety of tasks to help ensure they have happy and healthy cats and kittens to join your family. This includes all daily care, including feeding, scooping and cleaning, medications, socialization, treatments and foster care for those who need more support, such as kittens or cats with medical needs. The passion they have for cat rescue and the care they show to each of the cats in their care, is admirable. The goal of the foundation is to end euthanasia as a means of population control. They are a no-kill rescue that currently houses more than 100 cats and 50 kittens.”

“The Hancock County Humane Foundation does so much more than help cats in our area,” stated Cari McIntyre the board’s president. “Throughout the past 30-plus years, we managed an animal shelter for more than 20 years, then moved out on our own, realizing the desperate needs of the public regarding trap, neuter and return, the financial needs of pet owners and education that is so vital for the general public in recognizing the important part that animals play in our everyday lives.”

“We not only advocate for animals, but we encourage people to become empowered regarding their feelings for all animals, to be brave about speaking up when they note problems, to become ‘someone’ who is helping animals and our community,” McIntyre continued. “The foundation doesn’t just want people to rely on us for animal needs. We want to give them the resources to carry on with our mission and help all animals. We currently house more than 100 cats at our facility — over four times what our county shelter is limited to. We have a wonderful foster program — very active at this time of year — a vital lifeline for kittens. And we do this all with volunteers who dedicate countless free hours and run solely on donations.”

Foundation Secretary Tami VanCamp agreed with McIntyre, saying, “We, at the foundation, are dedicated to help end the needless diseases and deaths of the cats within our communities by spaying and neutering. We have assisted in the payment of spay/neuter for hundreds of stray and owned cats. We have been active in TNR with more than 10 colonies in the county and those in neighboring counties, as well.”

“With the county animal shelter now limiting the intake of cats, we have received numerous calls for help from people who need to surrender a cat, or that of a loved one,” VanCamp added. “And we must say no. We wish we could take in all of them; however, at this time, we have more cats in our care then the shelters in both Hancock and Brooke counties, combined. We have rescued several injured cats that the shelter turned away, as we feel we need to help save them. We pay for their vet care, involving treatments and surgeries, with some requiring long-term care. Whiskerfest is our largest fundraiser and we are hoping that everyone in the Tri-State Area will come out and support us to help us do what we do.”

“Being a volunteer at the HCHF is a very rewarding experience,” stated Cheryl Russell. “When I walk in the door every morning, I am greeted by many cats. They want love and attention. Each cat is unique in their own way — their personalities are different. They come to us through difficult circumstances, such as the death or illness of their owner, being abandoned or an illness of their own. We do everything and anything we can to show the cats they are safe, secure and loved until they are adopted into their next loving home.”

“Their mission is to make a positive impact in the lives of animals in our community,” Zirkle stated. “Through sharing resources and awareness, they hope to support any individual wanting to help animals live a safe and healthy life. They would love to highlight some of the programs that they provide.”

Zirkle noted in regards to adoptions, all cats and kittens are thoroughly vetted, spayed/neutered and provided with the utmost care until they are appropriately placed in their fur-ever home. Each Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., an open house is held for the public to visit and meet all the cats and kittens housed at the building. Appointments can be made by request. There are no same-day adoptions, but applications can be filled out in person or online. There are criteria for adoption, and a contract must be signed. This ensures placement is the best possible fit for each cat or kitten.

A pet food pantry is offered every other Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., allowing the nonprofit to support those in need to continue to feed their pets. A photo ID must be shown. The volume of supplies varies with each pantry day.

The foundation has held low-cost spay/neuter clinics to help prevent filling local shelters and possible euthanasia at their facilities. At this time, they no longer provide mobile clinics but do work with local providers such as Alleycat, offering daily, low-cost spay/neuter services for cats and dogs.

Combining efforts with volunteer TNR experts, the foundation is able to support the community with catching local strays, having them spayed/neutered, vaccinated, then released into a safe location or making them available for adoption.

“As you can see, there are many programs and services provided by the foundation, but they need your help to continue to do this great work,” Zirkle concluded. “Every little bit counts — become a monthly sponsor, stop by on Sunday and bring some goodies, follow their Facebook page for wish-list items needed, sign up for Kroger Community Rewards points, watch for other social events and fundraisers and volunteers are always needed to join the team.”

“Maybe your employer offers volunteer hours or programs,” she noted. “Without your support, they can’t do what they do best — caring for current kitties and saving lives for many more in need.”

Tickets are on sale at the cost of $50 and available through the group’s Facebook page, at the shelter’s location at 241 Ohio River Blvd. in New Cumberland, at the event or on its website at hancockhumane.org.

Additional Whiskerfest sponsors are still welcome to assist in the cause. For information, call (304) 224-2590 or e-mail hchfcats@gmail.com.