Four-Legged Fundraiser a Success ::
Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Article by: Steve Shay

West Seattle-based Animals First Foundation threw a silent auction and raffle Aug. 9 at Vino Bello Wine Shop and Wine Bar in Burien.

A few furry critters greeted the 60 or so guests who attended to lend their support to the animal rights group that finds care, and homes, for hard-to-place dogs and cats, as well as promotes awareness about opposition to seal and whale hunting.

( Previous coverage here.)

Animals First founder is Admiral Junction resident Carina Borja. Its president is Heather Enajibi, an Auburn resident who grew up in West Seattle and attended Highline High School.

Hosting were Charlie Beck and Tony Leamer, band members of the Memphis Radio Kings. Beck is lead vocals and rhythm guitar player. Leamer is drummer, percussionist, and back-up singer. Neither performed in the musical sense, but according to many there, both added wit and charm to drum up business for the raffle and auction. Beck was a big hit with his ticket-filled apron.

Said Beck, "We're glad that our cute and charmingness was for a good cause other than just for a bunch of drunk people at a bar. We want to help the dogs and Erin and Heather are great friends. They come to all our shows so we're here when they need us."

Erin Halter is a volunteer for Animals First.

Christine and Al Marcyes attended. They live outside of Monroe. Although they drove their car to Vino Bello, they have a motorcycle with a sidecar they got specifically for their Animals First rescued dogs.
"They wear their 'Doggles' in case any rocks or bugs fly toward their eyes," said Christine.

"Doggles" are a brand name of goggles worn by dogs and resemble small swimming goggles worn by humans. Christine's dogs don't seem to object to wearing them.

"When they see me holding their Doggles they get excited and know they are going out for a motorcycle ride," she added.

"In the rescue world, adult dogs and cats sit there longer while people adopt puppies and kittens," said Teri Ensley of West Seattle's Furry Faces Foundation, who also attended the fundraiser. "My heart foes out to them. I can't adopt them all."

Furry Faces raises money to provide pet food and other assistance for those struggling financially.

"We love Animals First Foundation," added Ensley. "Carina and Heather are genuine, honest, transparent people. There are no politics or hidden agenda with them and we really support their mission, taking on tough cases, pit bulls in need of surgery, older large dogs with special needs. They take in fewer animals, but at a much higher cost."

Link to:  West Seattle Herald article and slideshow

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