By Melanie Jacob
Journal Editor
[email protected]
The Humboldt Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) annual comedy show on Oct. 18 saw at least double the amount of people in attendance compared to last year.
The event was hosted at the Bella Vista Inn and was filled with at least 160 people, a significant increase from last year's turnout of over 80. There was chuckles and laughter throughout the night thanks to performances by comedians, Matt Watson, James Uloth, and Steve Mazan.
"It went really well, lots of people came out, which was great," said Kathleen Forster, president of the board of SPCA Humboldt and a volunteer at the shelter. "It was more than we expected. From what I hear, everyone had a great time and thought they were really good."
The comedians all live in the United States, but are part of a North American fundraiser comedy tour called Raise the Woof, which raises money for local rescues. This year marks the third time that the SPCA booked a comedy act from this group.
The event itself raised $5,000 this year, which Forster said is a significant amount. Aside from just their operating costs, Forster said they're also trying to fundraise so that they can move into a new building. The one they're currently in was an old farm equipment facility and so isn't built for housing animals. The new one would have proper kennels, materials, drains in the floor, air exchange, plumbing, etc. so as to make caring for the animals easier.
The total cost of that will come to approximately $750,000, but they've already managed to raise almost $135,000.
"It's amazing how helpful that ($5,000) is because that is a lot of money for our shelter," she said. "It costs about $1 a day to feed an animal, so it's extremely helpful."
Forster says the biggest challenge is getting the word and getting tickets sold ahead of time. So while this year turned out to be a success, she's hoping next year will be even better.
"We just want to stress how thankful we are that people came out to support us and we hope that they'll be back next year," said Forster. "If it warrants it, we might have to move to a bigger venue to accommodate more people."
