Volunteers have set a goal to raise $5,000 to benefit shelters.
WESTFIELD — Supporters of the Westfield Homeless Cat Project and the city’s regional animal shelter have joined to host a golf tournament to raise funds to offset expenses at both projects.
The goal is to raise $5,000 to help offset expenses at both shelters, volunteer Marie Boccasile said.
The Scramble for the Animals is scheduled for Aug. 12 at Oak Ridge Golf Club in Feeding Hills. Registration and sponsorships are due by July 15 and available by contacting Boccasile at 413-564-0589 or by email at megbocc@yahoo.com.
Boccasile and Denise Sinico, director of the cat project, said no city funding is provided for the Westfield Homeless Cat Project. The city provides limited funding for the Westfield Regional Animal Shelter, but volunteers and donations also support the shelter, they said.
The Westfield Regional Animal Shelter, which does not accept cats, is located at 178 Apremont Way. The Westfield Homeless Cat Project is located at 1124 East Mountain Road.
The Homeless Cat Project has operational expenses amounting to more than $130,000 annually for veterinary services, food, shelter and other expenses, Sinico said.
Currently there are over 200 cats at the East Mountain Road cat shelter and another 15 in foster homes.
Funding for that no-kill shelter is raised through donations and fundraising events such as two annual tag sales, she said.
Volunteers hope the Aug. 12 golf scramble will become an annual event, Boccasile and Sinico said.
A pool or spa will be offered for a hole-in-one and cash prizes are offered for various other contests. Registration is $90 per player which includes golf, cart, lunch and dinner. Tee sponsorships are available at a minimum donation of $50.