By KARA HACKNEY
For the Western Plains Animal Refuge
Looking for a new way to spend Valentine’s Day? Want to find a way to give back to the community? Then come celebrate with the Western Plains Animal Refuge.
The “Grrrs and Prrrs Valentine Gala,” hosted by the Western Plains Animal Refuge, will be from 8 to 11 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Hays Arts Center Annex, 1010 Main.
The event will include appetizers, drinks, a dance and the chance to win great prizes. You must be 21 to attend, and semi-formal dress is requested.
“The gala has something for everyone,” said Brendon McCampbell, director of Western Plains Animal Refuge, “from great food and drinks to a dance floor with music by K10 Productions. There will also be a photo booth and the chance to win great prizes. The best part is the amazing cause it supports.”
Tickets can be purchased at: Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th; Hillside Veterinary Clinic, 5250 Vine; and White Chocolate, 810 Main. Cost is $25 per person or $45 a couple.
In order to promote the upcoming Gala, a group of students will be at Walmart from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, collecting donations for WPAR. Anyone who donates that day will be eligible to win a free couples ticket to the Gala.
Founded in 2006 by veterinarian Dr. Jessica Braun, WPAR began as a domestic animal shelter and wildlife rehabilitation center in Hays. It operated through Braun’s veterinary clinic, the Animal Health Center, until she closed her practice in 2011 to focus on other career opportunities.
This nonprofit organization is now led by the elected director, McCampbell, along with a team of volunteers. Last spring, after months of fundraising and renovations, the refuge opened at its current location near Ellis, the donated Kopfman-Petco Foundation Animal Shelter building.
“I have always loved animals and began volunteering at the refuge with Dr. Braun when I was in high school,” McCampbell said.
Since its founding, WPAR has helped improve the lives of more than 1,500 animals.
The mission of WPAR is “to foster respect for all creatures, domestic and wild.” The refuge is “dedicated to helping animals and local community by providing shelter, foster, rehabilitation, adoption, and outreach services.”
To donate to WPAR or for more information on the organization, visit www.westernplainsanimalrefuge.org or mail donations to 1750 130th Ave., Ellis, KS 67637. Donations are tax-deductible.
To make a donation to the gala raffle or for more information, contact Lexi Copeland at [email protected] or (785) 259-6432. You can visit the WPAR website or its Facebook page. The Gala also has an event page on Facebook titled “Grrrs and Prrrs Valentine Gala.”