Bake sale benefits animal shelter

Animals at the local shelter got a bit of a boost from the community this weekend, thanks to an annual bake sale.

The event, which started by a group of friends with a common love for animals, has become both a community tradition and a key source of funding for the Second Chance Animal Shelter.

This year's sale — the fifth annual one held at Super 1 Foods by friends Lori Werder and Deborah Griffin — raised $1,757.

All proceeds from the sale are donated to the Second Chance Animal Shelter, Werder said.

"Once again, this generous community turned out in support of the shelter animals," Werder said.

This year's raffle item, donated by Rusty Britton, was a 1994 HL Morris custom Bowie knife — No. 001 with a custom leather sheath. The knife was won by resident Lance Nason.

The annual bake sale got its start five years ago when event founder Sherry Britton brought together three friends who collaborated to do an annual fundraiser.

The group chose the Second Chance Animal Shelter because of their shared love for animals, Werder said. With Britton's passing after the third annual event, the group decided to continue to hold the event in her honor.

"Over the past five years, [we] have raised close to $9,000 for the Shelter," Werder said. "The funds have helped provide care and facility upgrades for the animals. The shelter can always use such items as heavy duty leashes, dog and cat food, new cat beds and pine pellet cat liter."

Among those assisting the friends at the annual event were the 3 Mile Cafe, Jan Stossel, John Griffin, Rob Werder, Rusty Britton, Super 1 Foods and The Tavern at the Lodge.