Heidi Sobanja looked over Jan Hanson-Strathy’s shoulder to see if she was having any luck “catching” money in her net. By the looks of it, Jan was nearing her limit of dollar bills. The two were on the class of 1974’s Fisherman’s Picnic float and used the event to raise money for Arrowhead Animal Rescue.
Fishing for dollars?
One could say that was the case when the Cook County High School (CCHS) class of 1974 held out fishing nets and encouraged donations from parade goers from their “float” in the 2014 Fisherman’s Picnic Parade.
The Class of ’74—perhaps the best looking, smartest class to ever graduate from CCHS—raised more than $460 during their 40th class reunion held over Fisherman’s Picnic and donated it to Cook County’s Arrowhead Animal Rescue.
Bev Green, administrator for the Cook County Senior Center and treasurer of Arrowhead Animal Rescue (AAR) accepted the money on behalf of her organization.
Arrowhead Animal Rescue takes in lost or abandoned cats, dogs, and other domestic pets in Cook County. The organization provides shelter, food, and medical attention and emotional comfort with a goal of locating permanent caring homes for each animal. AAR also advocates for spay and neuter programs and for public education for all aspects of responsible ownership of pets.
While it’s true the goal of raising $1,974 wasn’t met, the Class of 1974 would like to thank all of the people who donated to this worthy cause.
And if the third sentence of this article was funny—and it was meant to be—animals in need of help are not a laughing matter. In July alone the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office responded to 27 calls to help with distressed animals.
Donations and volunteers are always appreciated, said Green, noting lost and abandoned pets always need help and the demand is constant.
For more information about the organization, visit Arrowhead Animal Rescue on facebook, call (218) 387-1781 or email animals@boreal.org.
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