ARF plans annual fundraiser

A local, pet-friendly organization is staging for the 16th consecutive year a fundraiser to benefit its mission of spay and neuter.

Mendon Township resident Loralee Knepper, Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County vice president, said the organization is able to maintain a budget of roughly $20,000 a year thanks in large part to donations and especially fundraisers such as Saturday’s mostaccioli dinner.

The meal is, in fact, ARF’s largest, single-event fundraiser annually. It has netted as much as $10,000 in years past, Knepper said.

Doors to Saturday’s fundraiser open at 5 p.m., dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. and a live auction begins at 6:30. It takes place in the cafeteria at Three Rivers High School. Cost is $10 for adults and $8 for children.

ARF celebrates its 20-year anniversary in 2018.

Saturday’s event will also feature the annual presentation of the “Jeannette Schirs Recognition of Kindness to Animals” award.