"Taps for Tails" Raises Money for Critter Shack

The Penny Tap House was packed with animal lovers Friday night for “Taps for Tails,” a fundraiser sponsored by West Texas AFA for Critter Shack.

Kelcie Hall started West Texas AFA (Angels for Animals) two years ago to support rescue organizations and their efforts to rehome adoptable cats and dogs. Her goal was to “go beyond helping one group and help everyone.”

While her main focus was geared toward the San Angelo Animal Shelter, she has expanded her efforts to include area rescue organizations like Critter Shack. Friday night’s fundraiser is just one example of the good work Kelcie and her organization is doing in the community.

Tammy Harris, of Critter Shack, a no-kill animal rescue, was also instrumental in coordinating Taps for Tails. Critter Shack has a network of foster parents who temporarily house adoptable cats and dogs, and a group of volunteers who take these animals to adoption events. Critter Shack has also partnered with PetSmart Charities to house some of their adoptable cats and uses their storefront for adoption events. Not only is Critter Shack working to find adoptable pets forever homes, they also work to educate the community about their cause and offer options for low-cost spay and neutering.

Brittany and Will Schroeder of San Angelo are foster parents currently working with Critter Shack to find Chance, a deaf Great Dane puppy, a forever home. Brittany has been working closely with Critter Shack and was at the event Friday night and spoke highly about the organization and her experience being a foster parent. While having a puppy with special needs can be a difficult experience, they are grateful for the opportunity to foster.

Between the two organizations and their fantastic volunteers, Taps for Tails was a huge success. There was a $10 cover to get in the door with all proceeds going to Critter Shack and for each donation, patrons were given raffle tickets for a cash prize to be awarded at the end of the night. Animal lovers could also fill up their plates at a build-your-own nacho bar for $3 and listen to live music while they enjoyed the atmosphere. Clear Blue, a local band, graciously donated their time and talents for the event, and they were certainly a hit.

Every table at the Penny was full by the end of the night, and Harris said they had a great crowd. By the end of the night, West Texas AFA and Critter Shack had raised over $2,500; however, in a surprising turn of events, the young woman who won the cash prize raffle donated her winnings back to the organization, bringing the total amount raised to $2,810.

While Friday’s event was a huge success, both Harris and Hall noted the need for donations and volunteers. Hall is currently looking for volunteers to help with this Saturday’s America on Tap event where they will be fundraising for area rescues, and Harris explained that while they can always use monetary donations, they are also in need pet supplies.

“Basically anything you would use at home for your pets is what we need.”

Harris is also looking for volunteers to help with pet adoption events and fosters who are willing to temporarily house their adoptable animals.

For more information about either organization, you can find them on Facebook or check out Critter Shack’s website at www.crittershack.org.