They were putting on the dog at TPCAvenel Club last week where Friends of Montgomery County Animals (FMCA) held their annual fall event from which all proceeds will benefit the organization’s adoption, spay-neuter (aka “fix-it”), disaster relief and numerous other programs planned to help alleviate pain and suffering for animals in need.
THE LUNCHEON/FASHION show and boutique shopping occasion attracted more than 100 members and their friends, adding considerably to the coffer’s funds. This includes previously raised monies to support the many programs, including the latest effort to provide money to care and house displaced animals following the horrendous hurricane season in the south.
Models, all FMCA members, paraded an assortment of attractive outfits from the McLean-based, Mae’s Dress Boutique. From evening wear to casual comfort, the collection was well received by the ladies (there wasn’t a male guest in sight!) who lunched on carrot soup and chicken salad, followed by pecan pie.
The underlying cause of the occasion leaned toward a more serious note when FMCA’s president Claire Proffitt announced that pet adoptions were down this year while more funds were desperately needed for added responsibilities. “We sent $3,300 to the LSU (Louisiana State University) Veterinary Department and $2,200 to the Houston (Texas) SPCA, to aid in their disaster relief efforts” she said.
Proffitt also presented awards to two club members, Dorothy Shapiro and Irene Lavorini for “their outstanding contributions throughout the year.”
The spay-neuter program funded by FMCA is considered among the most important. “Over population is the root cause of animal abuse and abandonment, as well as environmental degradation. It is imperative that we continue to spay/neuter as many animals as possible,” Proffitt recently wrote to the club’s membership. In so many words, she reiterated this mission, with fervor, at the luncheon.
An all-volunteer organization, FMCA welcomes new members. Membership dues are $30, tax deductible. To learn more about the programs sponsored by FMCA, log on to their Web site at www.fmca.freeservers.com.