The Betty Gambrell Animal Shelter held its grand re-opening celebration over the weekend to showcase its completed renovation improvements to the local community. The event took place Saturday, June 5, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the shelter’s Market Street address in Swainsboro, and offered grilled hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, baked goods, and a variety of beverages for refreshments.
Clients from The Braswell House were present for the event as well as Emanuel County Humane Society members and McRae Veterinary Clinic employees with vendor tents. A dunking booth occupied by Officer Shruggs with the Swainsboro Police Department was included in the day’s entertainment. Children in attendance also enjoyed having their faces painted and received balloon handouts from the humane society’s mascot, Rescue.
When asked about the event’s turn out, an exact number of attendees was hard to estimate due to the continuous flow of visitors seen throughout the day, but Shelter Manager Leta Fuentes stated the community supported the shelter’s celebrational event very well. She also reported receiving lots of food, cleaning supply and monetary donations from the cram-the-van benefit drive included in Saturday’s events.
“We’re so thankful for the support received from our community this weekend. I think everybody had a good time,” Fuentes commented.
Some of the special visitors to make an appearance Saturday were District Attorney Tripp Fitzner, Swainsboro Mayor Charles Schwabe, and Georgia State Shelter Inspector Beth Miller. Miller commended Fuentes and other shelter staff by saying “The shelter looks good, the dogs look good, and I’m having a good time.”
