Heart of the Catskills Humane Society Tree Raffle Success

DELHI - The Heart of the Catskills Humane Society hosted its 17th annual Holiday for the Heart tree fundraiser event on Dec. 2. The event starts in November where individuals or organizations donate decorated trees that are then displayed at the Delaware County Historical Association in Delhi. Individuals can view the trees prior to the event and purchase raffle tickets to attempt to win a tree to take home for the holidays.

Trees were donated by Mary Torma-Kelly and Kathy Brown, Central Delaware Clovers 4-H Club, Worn & Weathered Motorcycle Club, May Falknor, Kelly Haas, Dale Trethaway, Jackie Purdy, Christel and Jamie and Landon Vogler, Fabulous 4-Hers, Franklin Metlicke and Family. This year the society had 20 small trees and 15 large trees donated for raffle which topped last year's 30 total trees. Tree themes this year included Grandma's Gingerbread, a Home Farm Christmas, angels and Cardinals, movie night, constellation Christmas, A Teapot Poet's Holiday, Twilight, when Pigs Fly, mental health awareness, a rustic Merry Christ'moose', woodland, and What's under Santa's hat?

"We had 320 visitors the day of the event and 80 visitors the week prior," said Director of Shelter Operations Deb Crute, "We sold a lot of raffle tickets." The fundraiser raised $7,910 which will be used for the care of homeless cats and dogs to purchase items including - pet food, vaccinations, medications, and spay and neuter surgeries.

Visitors at the event could also purchase baked goods, soup, holiday gifts, jewelry, and wreaths. The soup and wreaths completely sold out, said Crute. There is also live music to dance to while enjoying the event happenings. "We had an adorable kitten named Dolly at the event who we cannot believe did not get adopted," said Crute, "But she was a star all day long in her cute Christmas tree costume."

The tree raffle is the society's largest fundraising event next to the annual Spring Dinner Dance and Auction.