SIOUX CITY, Iowa (Iowa Media Wire) — A birthday was celebrated Tuesday at the Sioux City Animal Adoption & Rescue Center – not for anyone working there or even one of the many pets sheltered at the facility, but rather, for an imaginary mascot.
NextHome TriState Realty celebrated “Luke,” the company’s mascot. The “Luke Day Barbeque” fundraiser encouraged people to drop off a donation of pet food, cleaning supplies or cash in exchange for a free pulled pork sandwich meal.
The shelter is currently overflowing with dogs and cats, making this year’s event especially timely.
“We though we’d switch it up this year and actually do a live barbeque and bring donations,” Katie Slater with NextHome TriState Realty said. “We’ve already, in the first half hour, 45 minutes, got more donations than the last couple of years combined.”
“Just getting the word out to help these animals get adopted is what’s really important,” Cindy Rarrat with the Sioux City Animal Adoption & Rescue Center said. “So we’re just blessed to have them put on such an event like this. And they’re doing everything, so I can’t thank them enough and all the vendors that have come forward to help.”
The rescue center is at capacity, with 65 dogs and 65 cats now housed there.