At the end of December 2021, Mary Bucceri, Group Sales Manager at Batavia Downs, was at work reflecting on all the cancelations since Covid-19 hit in March of 2020.
One of the fundraiser events that was cancelled and that is near and dear to Bucceri’s heart, a craft and vendor show for Volunteers For Animals, that was not rescheduled.
“I thought, what could I do for them,” says Bucceri.
“So, I decided to put a vendor show together and focus it on Valentine’s Day,”
Bucceri even created her own logo, a heart with a paw print in the center.
“I love animals, I have a dog, I have a cat along with a racehorse, so animals mean a lot to me. I was able to put it together in less than a month and we are sold out of space. There are about 40 vendors, and all will be set up socially distant from each other in the Park Place Event Center at Batavia Downs.
Puppy Paws Craft and Vendor Market will be open to the public on Sunday February 6th from 11:00a.m. to 4:00p.m., minors are welcome, and masks are required. Admission is free.
Monetary donations for Volunteer For Animals and pet supply related items can be dropped off at the door.
Angie Knisley, a volunteer with Volunteers For Animals, says a fundraiser like this one is very important for the group. She says that it is very difficult for volunteers to organize fundraising events themselves since they are always on call taking care of the animals at the shelter and any new arrivals that may suddenly show up.
“We are appreciative of what Mary and the Downs are doing for us, it’s just a wonderful, wonderful surprise,” says Knisley.
The majority of the funds raised will go towards animal care at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.
“It can be very costly, if they are ill when they come in, we pay for the medications and veterinarian services, and whatever surgeries they might need. Before they are adopted, we make sure they are as healthy as they can be, so that might include dental work which is very expensive.”
This is the first year for the Puppy Paws Craft and Vendor Market, Bucceri and Knisley are planning to make it a yearly event.
Bucceri says the Downs is here to assist any non-profit organization with a fundraising event. To plan your event, call Mary at 585-344-6144 or by email at mbucceri@westernotb.com
-LIST OF VENDORS BELOW-
Vendors for the February 6th Fair:
Gourmet Dips
Epicure
Mary Kay
Pampered Chef
Magic Designs by PK
Paparazzi
Artful Shenanigans
Scentsy
Touchstone Crystal
Photos by Sue Meier
LuLaRoe
Hot Cocoa Bombs
Pudgies Lawn & Garden
Suncatchers
Designer Inspired Purses & Accessories
Dead Stick Fishing Company
Outlaw Popcorn
Tastefully Simple
Color Street
Watkins Products
Tupperware
Norwex
M&M Pickles
Valentine Gift Boxes by CharleneCBD Products
Soy Waxed Melts& Sprinkles
Jams and Jellies
Pet Related Items
Several Miscellaneous Crafters
Link to Volunteer For Animals website below
Volunteers For Animals (vol4animals.org)
If interested in adopting a cat or dog, contact Volunteers For Animals at info@vol4animals.org
To make a donation by mail, make checks payable to Volunteers For Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY, 14021
