The Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society wants all paws on deck Saturday for a scavenger hunt fundraiser at Waverly Marina.
The hunt, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is geared toward water enthusiasts of all ages. Participants are asked to bring their watercraft — from boats to Jet Skis — as the hunt will be conducted entirely along the riverbanks.
The price is $10 per person, which includes the entry fee, a T-shirt and a barbecued chicken and potato salad lunch. Live entertainment will also be provided from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Proceeds from the event will go toward the construction of the new Humane Society building on Airline Road. Work began on the 6.2-acre site in January and Humane Society Board President Juliette Sharp said it is on schedule.
The first phase, which will cost around $700,000, is well underway, with the bricking, roofing and plumbing complete on an 8,000 square foot indoor/outdoor dog run. Roofing is complete on a second dog run and bricking is underway.
But the group still needs $250,000 to finish the work they’ve started, Sharp said. They hope to eventually add a third building, which will include the front office, cat rooms and a surgical suite for spaying and neutering.
That’s critical, Shelter Manager Jason Nickles said Thursday. Right now his cages are filled with animals seeking homes, the majority of which are cats, products of a springtime breeding season.
Between April and November, the shelter will take in an average of 425 animals per month. About 40 percent are adopted or returned to owners and about 60 percent are euthanized, he said.
The shelter can safely hold 75 animals and has a full capacity of around 100, which makes the new, larger facility even more critical.
Though the cost of the scavenger hunt is relatively low, Sharp said every nickel and dime helps.
“It’s just one more way to raise money and it’s a fun time for all,” she said. “Everything is geared toward making money for these animals, so we need everybody to participate. When people come by and give even $5, that is very welcome, because that will help buy something.”
People can register for the scavenger hunt the day of the event, said Norlene Wolford, Humane Society volunteer and scavenger hunt organizer.
Registrants will be given a plastic bag containing a list of items commonly found along the river, including things like fishing twine, bottle caps or corks. Participants can ask fishermen for assistance, but they will not be allowed to go to houses onshore.
“We had a blast when we had it last time,” Wolford said. “Some of the fishermen donated money out of their pockets.”
For more information, call Wolford at 662-328-7269.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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