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Young at Heart Pet Rescue Hosts Wags to Wishes

Young At Heart Pet raises funds to save one grey muzzle at a time at Wags to Wishes!


This summer, Young at Heart Pet Rescue will host their inaugural Silent Auction and Dinner Benefit, Wags to Wishes at The Meadows Club, 2950 W Golf Road, Rolling Meadows on Saturday June 16, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

 

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A 501c3 not-for-profit organization that specializes in the rescue and re-homing of senior dogs and cats, Young At Heart Pet Rescue is the only organization of its kind in the Chicago area. Founded in April 2005, the group has saved hundreds of dogs and cats that many considered “past their prime.” To date, the organization has successfully found forever homes for almost 500 homeless animals. 

 

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“We are very excited about this first large-scale event,” says Young at Heart’s Executive Director, Dawn Kemper. "Some of our favorite alumni dogs will be in attendance to greet guests, and our volunteers have worked their tails off to put together some amazing prizes ranging from art to sports memorabilia and even a Disney vacation -- there's sure to be something for everyone! We encourage new friends and long-time friends to come out and enjoy what is sure to be a great time!”

 

Due to an overwhelming influx of support from local businesses, the benefit will feature a bevy of popular, unique and much sought after items. Silent and live auction items include “Guest Chef For a Day” at the highly acclaimed iNG Restaurant, dinner for two at Perennial Virant, Fairmont Resort Disney & Sea World vacation package, Perfect Game Memorabilia autographed by Mark Buehrle, Ravinia at the Pavillion, jewelry by Winifred Grace, Dream Girls tickets at the Marriott Theater, “Behind-the-Scenes” tour of NBC/Studio 5, private dinner party provided by Fig Catering, Million Dollar Quartets tickets at the Apollo Theater, premium Chicago Bear tickets, and a variety of salon services (for people and pets), home services, art, and pet services such as boarding/grooming/veterinary. Young at Heart Pet Rescue’s donors have ensured that there is something at every price and for every interest.

 

The proceeds raised from the evening will help raise much-needed funds to care for homeless pets in need for them to live the rest of their days in a loving home. Each rescued pet receives top-notch veterinary care, with the rescue paying for vaccines, microchips, spay/neuter, any necessary dental care, geriatric blood work, and other procedures necessary to make the pets as adoptable as possible. After they leave the vet, Young At Heart dogs and cats are placed in licensed foster homes for as long as it takes to find the pet’s forever family. The group does not accept pets directly from the public, instead pulling its pets from overcrowded shelters that have open-door policies and must euthanize to make space.

 

"I adopted my Labrador, Fern, from Young at Heart when she was 9-years-old and she is full of love and brings us lots of laughter!  Everyone assumes that a senior dog doesn’t have as much to give as a puppy but it’s completely the opposite. Not only do they have the heart of a puppy but they possess the years and intelligence of a soulful and loyal friend. We are lucky she is in our life!” says Tonia Kim, an adopter and also a co-chair for this event.  “This event will be a great way to come out and support the cause, while enjoying a night out with other pet lovers." 

 

Wags to Wishes is generously sponsored in part by Chicago Tails, Our Family Magazine, Lincolnshire Animal Hospital and Veterinary Specialty Center.

 

Tickets for the event are $65 and will include dinner & dessert, wine, champagne, silent and live auction and more!  For more information or to purchase tickets or tables on our website, visit http://yahpetrescue.com/wags-to-wishes.

 

 

 

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