July 29, 2007 — More than 400 residents were enjoying the sun, sand, sea and steamers as well as giving support to the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center Sunday. The 31st annual clambake fund-raiser was held at Elizabeth's at The Palms at Pelican Cove.
Carole Wells, development director for the center, said, "We do a clambake because it is a novel and fun way to raise money for the center."
Volunteers could be seen against the backdrop of the crystal clear aquamarine sea barbequing chicken and steaming clams.
Anna's Café donated more than five bushels of clams. With the help of Princess Seafood, the clams were sent from Rhode Island to St. Thomas, from there, Omer ErSelcuk, CEO of Seaborne Airlines, gave assistance in getting the clams to St. Croix. Jason Gould, chef at Elizabeth's, prepared and cooked macaroni and potato salad and coleslaw. Volunteers donated baked goods for the dessert portion of the meal.
Live music and entertainment was provided from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Performing was the Santa Cruz Brass Ensemble and Jazzy Blue. Lionel Downer and Christine Swainson performed three numbers from Caribbean Community Theater's upcoming production of "Ain't Misbehavin," which will be playing the weekends of Aug. 10, 17 and 24.
Four girls from the Jazz Spirit Troupe of Point Dance Academy did a hip-hop number choreographed by Natalie Ruiz. Ruiz also did a solo interpretive dance.
Children's games were set up under the shade of the palm trees in Gerry's Kids Place. Every child won a prize, which were donated by Attorney Jerry Groner, simply for trying to win. More than 28 children played games such as musical chairs and sack races. Jan Richards, one of the organizers of the games said, "We had a really good tug-o-war match going and the egg and spoon race was hilarious."
Children tested their skill at doing the limbo with two blow-up palm trees with hooks to hold the limbo pole. Children and adults also cooled off and were having fun with noodles and rafts in the pool.
Raffle ticket drawings were held throughout the day for a large assortment of prizes. Jill Dedinsky, owner of Café Fresco in Christiansted, won the main raffle prize of a trip for two on Seaborne Airlines with a two-night stay on Virgin Gorda at The Sugar Mill Resort. All Dedinsky could say was, "Oh, I'm so excited!"
Other prizes were baskets full of goodies for pets, books, figurines, purses, jewelry and much more. Raffle ticket holders did not need to be present to win. For a list of winning numbers people may call the shelter to see if they have a winning ticket.
Last year the center saw a net profit of $39,000 from the event. That money is used to control the cat and dog population on St. Croix. One pair of cats can produce up to 64,000 babies in six mating cycles if they aren't spayed and neutered, Wells said, adding that one way to control of the population is for pet owners to take advantage of the spay and neutering sale they are currently offering at the center. The sale price for neutering of a male cat is $13 and spaying of females is $18. Neutering of male dogs is $20 and females are spayed for $25. More than 850 animals have been fixed since the sale began in January.
Money from fund-raising events is also used for volunteers to go to schools and camps to educate children on ways such as how to take care of animals in the event of a hurricane. Wells said, "We are planting seeds in young minds to be responsible pet owners in the future."
The center also sponsors Pets in Paradise, a program where people flying to the States can take Crucian animals to a sister shelter for adoption.
The shelter has more than 40 active volunteers that give of their time in many ways such as socializing, walking and playing with the dogs in preparation for adoption.
The next major fund-raiser is the annual Pledge Party scheduled for Sept. 8 sponsored by The Buccaneer and held at the Mermaid Restaurant. They also have the Fur Ball in February. A new fun event in the planning stages is a fashion show for dogs and humans with bidding on clothes from the Animal Shelter Flea Market.
Wells said, "I am so thankful to the whole community for giving so much and the volunteers that work so hard for the love of the animals."
For information about the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center programs or to volunteer call 778-1650.
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