East End-Based Library Encouraging The Community To “Fall In Love With Shelter Animals”

Once again the Hampton Bays Library is calling upon local youth to help raise awareness and funds for Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) during the Library’s “Fall in Love with Shelter Animals” movement.

The campaign has raised over $10,000 the past three years. (Courtesy Photo)

Participating in the campaign is incredibly easy – all contributors have to do is pick their favorite shelter adoptee and collect a very achievable donation. “The Hampton Bays Library is hosting its fourth annual fundraiser – ‘Fall in Love with Shelter Animals’ – through Saturday, October 15th,” noted Theresa Maritato. “Teens may choose any shelter animal that they want to sponsor and raise at least $10 for their animal.”

After the fundraiser has ended, participants are invited to commemorate their efforts during a festive bash. “Once they raise the money they are invited to a Celebration Party on Saturday, October 15th at the Library,” said Maritato. “This party is to celebrate their hard work and the animals they help. The party features dessert, an appearance by a shelter animal, entertainment and prizes donated by local and national businesses.”

“Fall in Love with Shelter Animals” has been tremendously successful in previous years – both financially and for the teens’ growth. “The Library has raised over $10,000 the past three years for the Shelter,” noted Maritato. “Each time teens participate in any of these programs, they not only earn community service, but they also strengthen community bonds. The support from the community helps to foster in our teens a sense of empathy, accountability and pride.”

The Hampton Bays-based shelter is extremely grateful for the Library’s support. “The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation would like to thank the Hampton Bays Public Library for hosting their annual ‘Fall in Love with Shelter Animals’ campaign,” noted Kate McEntee, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Director of Public Relations and Marketing. “Every year the library dedicates a month to helping our shelter.”

All contributors have to do is pick their favorite shelter adoptee and collect a very achievable donation. (Courtesy Photo)

The interactive community effort is an exciting way to spread awareness for the Shelter and get youth involved. “It has been very fun and successful in the past couple of years and we appreciate their participation and love for our shelter and our pets,” noted McEntee. “Children are our future and these children are our rock stars!”

“Fall in Love with Shelter Animals” is just one of the ways the Library supports SASF. “In addition to the www.gofundme.com page, the Library raises money for our shelter by hosting great activities for the community, such as Paint Night-N-Pizza,” she explained.

The Library has hosted a Paint Night-N-Pizza in support of SASF. (Courtesy Photo)

Funds from this year’s benefit will be used to create a welcoming area that potential adopters can meet prospective pups and cats. “This year the money raised will be designated to a new foster meet and great area. Thank you again to our friends at the library,” McEntee said. “We would also like to thank Theresa Maritato, who is an SASF adopter and shelter animal advocate and who has spear headed this fundraiser.”

The “Fall in Love with Shelter Animals” Library Party will take place on Saturday, October 15th at 6 p.m., and is open to students in grades 5th and up.

Hampton Bays Library is located at 52 Ponquogue Avenue in Hampton Bays. For more information, call 631-728-6241 X 120 or x 121 or visit hamptonbayslibrary.org.