PHILIPSBURG – Candy, a husky-schnauzer mix owned by Shari Learish of Clearfield was the top vote getter in the Clearfield County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals annual calendar contest, which raised more than $36,000.
2011 calendars and, new this year, an accompanying coupon book, will debut at the SPCA’s booth in Expo I at the Clearfield County Fair, Aug. 2-7.
“This amount is up significantly from last year, when approximately $29,000 was raised while the number of entrants stayed about the same at 105. We are in awe of the participants’ fundraising skills and thrilled by the community’s response,” said SPCA Executive Director Pam Smith.
In its 19th year, the calendar contest is the organization’s largest fundraiser and represents a significant portion of the SPCA’s budget.
The SPCA operates solely on donations to run its shelter and provide trained and certified personnel to enforce the state’s animal cruelty laws. The shelter, which is one of the few truly open door shelters left in Pennsylvania, took in more than 2,600 animals last year, Smith noted.
Smith said the SPCA thanks the participants and photographers David Fulesday, Paul Dale and Chris Evans.
“They are really the foundation for this event. The donation of their time and talent makes the contest s success and brings such joy to the pet owners. Without the success of this contest, we would not be able to keep our doors open,” Smith added.
The top 12 winners, in order, are:
Candy, a husky-schnauzer mix owned by Shari Learish of Clearfield.
Fluffy, Cupcake and Buddy, bichon frises owned by Felicity and Cheyanne Cowfer of Philipsburg.
Amy, Angel and Buddy, boxers owned by Linda Staples of DuBois.
Trooper Enrique and Gabby, German shepherd dogs owned by Elena and Jim DeVittorio of Ridgway.
Brigadier, a standard poodle owned by Shari and Bob Trythall of Curwensville.
Bimini, a shih tzu owner by John Schram of Houtzdale.
Daisy, a beagle mix owned by Sonya Johnston of Clearfield.
Daisy and Dixie, Labrador retrievers owned by Jennifer Shaw of Clearfield.
Rocksie, a terrier mix; Saydie, a coonhound; and Jazzie, a sheltie owned by Tracy Draa of Rockton.
Lucy, a flat-coated retriever owned by Bob and Debbie Mollica of Clearfield.
Skyanna and Oakley, Siberian huskies owned by Brenda Wisor of Philipsburg.
Peaches and Molly, shih tzus, and Ruffy, a terrier mix owned by Betsy Kruckenberg of Clearfield.
Honorable mention recipients are:
Abby, a boxer owned by Bo and Terry Smith of Philipsburg.
Tanner, a golden retriever owned by Dan Squires of Clearfield.
Jazmine, a Siberian husky owned by Adrianna Ricotta of Clearfield.
Ben, a beagle owned by Lindsey Lizardi of State College.
Sebastian, a pug owned by Jackie Norris of Clearfield.
Scout, a Labrador retriever owned by Erin McNulty of Rebersburg.
Bandit, a schnoodle owned by Helen Stadelman of DuBois.
Ezra, an English bulldog owned by Roni Bush of DuBois.
Basil, a mixed breed owned by Judy Maloney of State College.
Bella, a Labrador retriever owned by Pam and Dave Ogden of Clearfield.
Blackjack, a domestic long-haired cat owned by Shirley Clark of Philipsburg.
Mia, a husky and Mickey, a domestic short-haired cat owned by Ann Marie Warholak of Clearfield.
Jesse, a German shepher dog owned by Kim and Matt Foster of Warrior’s Mark.
Anyone desiring a complete list of participants and vote totals may send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the SPCA, 541 Graham Station Road, Philipsburg, 16866.