Art for Animals doubled last year

To the Editor:

The people of Poplar Bluff and environs never cease to amaze me with their generosity and involvement. The recent 2nd Annual Art For Animals event at Artfully Framed drew almost twice as many people and twice as many artists as last year and netted the Animal Welfare Alliance (AWA) about $3,700.

Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the display and silent auction a success -- starting with gallery owner Barbara Pelton and her staff and including AWA board members.

Also, a big cheer for all the talented artists, professional and amateur, who painted 5-by-7 canvases for the event -- especially the Sears Youth Center artists, who made an impressive showing and won some prizes.

The whole event was great fun, and we look forward to doing it again next year.

We at AWA spend up to $650 a month on our programs (distemper-parvovirus vaccinations for puppies in the pound and $25 to $50 vouchers for low-income pet owners to help with spay/neuter costs). In addition, we set aside a portion of all income toward eventual construction of our own no-kill shelter to serve southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas.

Charlotte W. Craig

AWA President

Poplar Bluff, Mo.