The Tournament Players Club at Avenel was the purr-fect setting Nov. 15 for Friends Of Montgomery County Animals’ (FMCA) annual luncheon and fashion show. The nonprofit, humane organization founded in 1974, is supported solely by volunteers and relies on contributions to sustain its mission of dignity for animals.
“Somebody has to be the voice for animals,” said FMCA board president Claire Proffitt about the need for an organization like Friends.
“Claire led me to the strays,” shared one member when asked how she found Friends. Winnie Reed, who helped establish the group 32 years ago explained, “At the time there was no rescue group for horses in the area, so the large animal owners bonded together to form FMCA.” Since then, Friends has gone to the cats and dogs too, finding foster homes for many and permanent placement for 120 cats this year.
Proffitt said she maintains a “philosophy of no more homeless pets” and wants to see an active spay-neuter program in Montgomery County. Other board members echo her desire to eradicate overpopulation and eliminate the need to euthanize millions of cats and dogs in the United States each year. Funding is key. Board member Nedra Basile urged, “FMCA has cats that need to be adopted and money is needed to pay for vet bills and the TNR [Trap, Neuter, Release] Fund.”
Guest, Janet Woolschlager, who created and donated a dollhouse for the silent auction, said, “This event brings people together under the same roof with the common bond of a love of animals. There’s a kinship, like a sorority. It’s a great way to enjoy the day and raise money to help the animals.”
Board vice-president, Janet Lamkin added, “The luncheon helps raise awareness and monies to help not only FMCA animals but other groups in need.”
Fashions from Mae’s Dress Boutique in McLean, a silent auction and bountiful boutiques made for a doggone good time for the full-house of friends of Friends. For more information visit: www.friendsofmontgomerycountyanimals.org.