“SPAY-ghetti” Dinner on Tuesday

A local organization looking to help animals and reduce intake at shelters is hosting an annual fundraising event this week.

Cause: PAWS is hosting its second annual “SPAY-ghetti” dinner at the X-Factor Grill and Cornerstone Restaurant in Toccoa on Tuesday.

Sharon Shailer is one of the co-founders of Cause: PAWS.

She said the group’s goal is to take a cooperative approach to reducing the intake at animal shelters.

Shailer said the group pursues two specific main areas to help achieve that goal.

She said the first is to help provide funding for spay-neuter surgeries.

“(We help) provide low-cost spay/neuter options for people that might have some problems and might not can afford the whole price,” said Shailer.

Shailer said the second path the group follows is one of educating children.

“We raise funds to provide KIND News to kindergarten through sixth grade classrooms,” said Shailer. “It comes with a teacher’s guide.”

Currently, 29 classrooms receive KIND News through Cause: PAWS in Stephens County and Shailer says the organization is hoping to grow that number this coming year.

One of the teachers who uses that program, Eastanollee Elementary fourth-grade teacher Phyllis Byrd, is scheduled to speak at Tuesday’s “SPAY-ghetti” dinner about the program.

Also, Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter Director Jeff Roberts and a local veterinarian have also both been invited to speak at the dinner.

Dinner is $12.50 per person in advance and $15 per person the night of the dinner on Tuesday.

Shailer said she hopes the community will come out to support the organization and its cause.

“Well over 50 percent at $12.50 goes to Cause: PAWS,” said Shailer, who added all proceeds Tuesday will benefit spay/neuter efforts.

The dinner will be Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the X-Factor Grill/Cornerstone Restaurant and North Georgia Credit Union in Toccoa, Tugalo Animal Hospital and Vintage Owl in Lavonia, and Mill Creek Veterinary Hospital in Clarksville.

For more information, contact Shailer at 706-963-0783.