USF SUN DOME TO HOST PET-A-PALOOZA

TAMPA-On Sunday, February 28th, one of the first events of its kind will take place at the University of South Florida’s Sun Dome, when the TAMPA BAY PET—A–PALOOSA hosts its animal adopt-a-thon in partnership with WQYK-FM Radio. The event is presented by Animal Based Charities (ABC), an IRS 501 c 3 non-profit corporation, which is located in Tampa, Florida.

Animal Based Charities was founded by a group of like-minded friends and is a non-profit whose mission is to raise funds to support the local animal rescue groups. To that end, ABC held its first fund-raising event in August of 2009. ABC raised $29,000.00 in one evening and rescue groups who had not previously worked together, joined forces to save these animals. The Hillsborough County Animal Shelter and the Humane Society were also in attendance, as well as Big Cat Rescue, known for their commitment to save rare and exotic cats. We were very pleased with the outcome of our first fund-raising event.

Since August, ABC has distributed over $15,000.00 to local animal rescue groups as well as over 12,000 pounds of free food. These small rescue groups are committed to saving animals, and ABC felt it made sense to form an entity that can help raise funds and save animals. Since August, ABC has developed a tremendous collaboration between the rescue groups, who, before this effort, had rarely talked to each other.

The Tampa Bay Pet-A-Paloosa is the first of 2 major adopt-a-thons to be presented by Animal Based Charities this year. The need is massive. ABC has the full support of Rose Ferlita and Ken Hagen of the County Commissioners. Never before have so many different and distinct organizations come together on behalf of saving the animals in the Tampa Bay area.

The Tampa Bay Pet-A-Paloosa will be held at the USF Sun Dome on Fowler Avenue in Tampa. Doors open at 10:00am and the event concludes at 3:00pm. Admission is FREE and parking is FREE. ABC invites everyone to come out and adopt one of the many animals available for adoption. All animal food donations are accepted. WQYK is the media partner and will be on-site to greet people and help publicize the need for an event of this magnitude and size.

For more information, contact Animal Based Charities at 1-877-799-PETS (7387).