The fifth annual BBQ fundraiser will be held on Saturday, July 14.
All are invited to grab a bite to eat and unleash the fun at Joe Joe’s Place Animal Rescue’s fifth annual BBQ fundraiser. The event will be held on Saturday, July 14, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Flying W located at 60 Fostertown Road in Medford.
Joe Joe’s Place is a nonprofit founded in 2010 by Taryn Lloyd-Drayton. The organization was created in memory of her brother, Joey Lloyd, a beloved son, brother and animal lover, who passed away in October 2008.
The goal of the group is to provide a safe environment for dogs that are rescued from kill shelters. They then proceed with veterinary exams at the Mount Laurel Animal Hospital, and from there the dogs are placed in foster homes and ultimately adopted and placed into loving, permanent homes.
With approximately 50 volunteers assisting the rescue and about 25 foster homes available, nearly 300 dogs are adopted each year.
Director at Joe Joe’s Place, Michele Bogdanowicz, along with Lloyd-Drayton have been co-coordinating to make this year’s fundraiser possible.
The event will feature basket auctions, 50/50 raffles, swimming, a buffet of food, music provided by a DJ and more, with all funds going directly back into the organization to cover medical bills and supplies. Corporate sponsors include Mount Laurel Animal Hospital and Prospectors Grille & Saloon.
In years past, there have been about 100 baskets up for auction, with almost 300 people in attendance. With the 10th anniversary of Lloyd’s passing approaching, there are hopes to make this year’s fundraiser the largest yet.
Throughout the course of the year, there are multiple fundraising events, including a Beef and Beer in November, Christmas pictures with Santa in December and a weekend of bowling in March.
Lloyd-Drayton acknowledged the selflessness that goes into being a foster, saying, “A love for a dog is unconditional. You are giving your time, your money, your effort and your energy into unconditionally loving something that is only going to love you for a short time until it goes onto its next venture.”
There are aspirations to eventually create a sanctuary-inspired environment for the dogs that are brought into Joe Joe’s Place before embarking on their journey to a foster home or permanent home.
Tickets for the fundraiser are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children ages 5 and under. To purchase tickets, to donate, or for more information on how to become a volunteer or foster, email staff@joejoesplace.org.
