Staff Report

Mason County Extra Edition

POINT PLEASANT — Let’s “paws for effect” because in just two weeks, one big idea turned into a small-town success story.

Paw-Casso’s Art Show and Silent Auction brought color, creativity, and compassion together this past weekend at the Point Pleasant River Museum and Lakin Ray Cook Learning Center, raising thousands of dollars for the Mason County Animal Shelter.

What began as a spontaneous plan by organizer Lauren Billiter quickly grew into a full community effort. More than 20 art pieces created by local children, each featuring an adoptable shelter animal, were auctioned off to the highest bidders, meeting the fundraising goal and then some.

The goal was to raise $4,000 and instead, the event raised nearly $4,500.

Shelter Director Denee Sidenstricker previously told Mason County Extra Edition the funds would be used to provide a financial boost for extras the shelter likes to supply for the animals, including medical care they may need above and beyond vaccinations, and spay/neuter; as well as treats and toys for the animals, etc.

Sidenstricker said every bit of extra funding helps the shelter do more for the animals it serves.

Following this weekend’s event, the shelter posted the following via its Facebook page: “Tonight was so amazing, we will probably be living off the amazingness for awhile! There are not enough words to begin to describe how thankful we are for this wonderful event that transpired by the thoughtfulness of Lauren Billiter. She came up with an idea and brought it to fruition with the help of some great community members!

“Thank you to all of the little artists who created some wonderful art pieces of the animals at our shelter! They were so much fun to walk around and view!

“And thank you to all of those who came out to mingle and bid. It seemed like purchasing the pieces was just as fun for them as the artists! There are so many people behind this event that we could never begin to name them all, but from the bottom of our hearts and the animals’ paws, thank you so much for your support of our shelter!”

Pictured below are scenes from Saturday’s Paw-Casso’s Art Show & Silent Auction by Jennifer Caldwell, submitted by Lauren Billiter.

Billiter credited sponsors, volunteers, and families who rallied to make the night possible. She made some special recognitions, including JoAnne Siders of Sider’s Jewelers, Robin Jones of Point Financial, and Tomma Ranegar for sponsoring and helping with the event. She also thanked the Point Pleasant River Museum for sponsoring; Suzi Caldwell for assisting; Jennifer Caldwell for the event’s creative name; and the musical duo Blue Moves (Levi Billiter and Eli Wilson) which provided the music and was also a sponsor.  

“I also want to shout ‘thank you’ to Tanya Handley and commissioners Rick Handley and Chris Johnson, Crow-Hussell Funeral Home, The American Legion, The Moose, Ferguson Construction, Kayser, Lane, and Clark PLLC, Dennis Brumfield CPA, Bob’s Market, City Ice and Fuel, The Calming Goat and so many members of our community who donated and showed up to support our young artists and the Mason County Animal Shelter,” Billiter stated. “Thank you all for making this a successful fundraiser and community event!”