Big Doings at Spay Neuter Charlotte

October was a crazy busy month at Spay Neuter Charlotte. In addition to fixing almost 900 animals there was a flurry of fundraising and lots of progress as move forward with a third clinic location in Lake Norman and a new site for our NoDa clinic.

Art Unleashed, a unique art event that benefits us, as well as four of our rescue partners, was held on October 7^th and (despite the oncoming monsoon of Hurricane Matthew) generated record fundraising and attendance. $26,000 was raised thanks to the 126 pieces of art that were graciously donated by local artists. Almost 100% of the proceeds were given back to this year’s recipients: Spay Neuter Charlotte, Dog Days of Charlotte, Raintree Jacks Jack Russell Rescue, Chapman’s Dachshund Rescue, and FurBabies Animal Rescue.

Art Unleashed was quickly followed by the clinic’s annual dinner fundraiser, Bone Appetit! held this year at Sullivan’s Steakhouse. The theme for the evening was “Sweet dreams are made of this” and revolved around the Spay Neuter Charlotte’s plans to relocate the existing North Davidson facility to a much larger building on 32^nd Street. They Call Me Sugar created an edible rendition of the new building. Isn’t it incredible?

This delicious cake (yes, it's a cake!) was made by They Call Me Sugar and is a rendering of our new NoDa Clinic on 32d Street.

In addition to hearing from me about our accomplishments and future plans, attendees also heard from Renee English who shared her perspective as a board member, Laurie Brady talked about her experiences as a volunteer, Bill Green who explained why his investment group wanted to purchase the 32^nd Street building for our use and from Dr. Welch who talked about her dreams for what we will be able to do in the new space. The response to the presentation was overwhelming with over $100,000 raised!

We are also thrilled to announce that the ASPCA is providing Spay Neuter Charlotte with a $70,000 grant to open a third clinic in Lake Norman. The new Lake Norman clinic will be located at 325 Rolling Hill Road and is currently being renovated and (fingers crossed) a “soft opening” will take place December 1^st and will be open to the public on January 1^st. We will do surgery in the building Tuesday – Thursday and offer basic medical care on Fridays. We are very excited about the opportunity to serve pet owners in the Iredell region.

We are so grateful to be able to serve pet owners in our community who most need us and we are excited that with the opening of a third clinic this community is growing. Having the opportunity to expand into a third site in Lake Norman and relocate our NoDa Clinic to a larger facility on 32^nd Street makes it possible for us to do more to meet the needs of those who we serve. Our grand expansion plans would not be possible without the incredible support of donors and clients and the leadership of our board. We are also indebted to the ongoing support of PetSmart Charities and the ASPCA. Together we will create a region without homeless pets.

-Cary Bernstein, Founder & Executive Director

Spay Neuter Charlotte Founder & Executive Director, Cary Bernstein, holding Remi an 8 week old puppy at our NoDa Clinic.