Young people raise $1,000 for Warwick humane society

SUGAR LOAF — Not even the threat of inclement weather could stop these kids from helping homeless pets.

Two days before this year's Sugar Loaf Fall Festival, held every Columbus Day weekend, Heather and Vicki Wander were taking out their umbrellas after watching the local forecast.

Fortunately, the weather changed and the weekend weather could not have turned out better.

If you attended the festival, you probably came across some passionate children (and cute adopted bunnies) raising money for the Warwick Valley Humane Society. Heather and Vicki Wander, the event coordinators and long time shelter volunteers, look forward to this weekend all year long.

“I wish we could adopt them all, but this is the next best thing," Heather said.

Although these kids are getting older and many have multiple commitments, so many of them were able to donate at least a few hours of their time for a worthy cause.

The event leader, Sharyn Wander, said Laura and Maria, owners of Laura’s Sweets in Sugar Loaf, were supportive of the bake sale fund raiser. Maria generously commented,

“There will be more than enough customers for both of us," Maria said, "we want to see you raise money for the animals.”

She turned out to be right! Over the course of the three-day event, these kids raised a total of $1,038.22 for the shelter. Laura’s Sweets and Specialty Bake Shoppe was always busy.

Friends and neighbors donated baked goods, time, money and support and all of their efforts resulted in a hugely successful fund raiser, said Wander.

Kelly Burnett, a longtime participant and friend, even set up a table of rainbow loom bracelets she made and contributed her earnings to the total.

"It’s so nice to see young children with generous spirits selflessly give up a weekend to raise money for their favorite charity," Wander said.