Dog lovers helped raise thousands of dollars for Ellijay Paws in Need and the Gilmer County Animal Shelter, all while sipping wine.
Ellijay resident Deborah Fleming organized the charity event, called “Canines and Wines,” on Sunday, Jan. 26. It was hosted at Grapes and Ladders Vineyard, and brought in $3,000 for the organizations.
“I saw the community’s need, and when I see a need, I have to act,” Fleming said. “Especially if it’s an animal, my heart feels for the animals … My husband who helps me, and all the volunteers … made this event what it is.”
Bottles were uncorked, hotdogs and hamburgers served, live music played and a silent auction with more than 40 donors took place. Roughly 200 people, some accompanied by their own dogs, were in attendance, according to Fleming.
Grapes and Ladders’ co-owners, Cindy and Glenn Jackson, donated 20 percent of their proceeds from the event. Fleming added that they went “above and beyond” to make sure everything ran smoothly.
“Cindy wants to help animals, she’s very [heartfelt],” she noted. “If you’re going to have that many people come in, it’s not just about what you’re selling, it’s about the people that are enjoying the fact that they’re there specifically for the animals.”
Ellijay Paws in Need and the Gilmer Animal Shelter volunteers brought seven puppies and nine dogs to the event. They were wearing “up for adoption” gear, with information cards on hand, in case attendees were ready to take a furry friend home.
Shannon Reed has volunteered with Ellijay Paws in Need for four years. Her family is currently fostering three dogs, and showed them off at Grapes and Ladders Sunday.
“Our mission, along with the shelter, this year is for spay and neuter, to stop the cycle,” Reed said. “So all the proceeds from today go toward that, and we’ve already gotten enough to have two snippet buses come in, free for the public.”
Fleming said three dogs were adopted at the event. Some attendees even brought in food and towel donations for the sheltered animals, and she expects more donations to continue rolling in.
“I want to make a difference and bring awareness,” Fleming emphasized. “I want animals to be loved and not have to sit in the shelter just waiting … I want to see them be adopted so [this event] means a lot to me personally.”
Fleming noted that they will continue having charity events at Grapes and Ladders. Their next event will be during summer, called “Equines and Wines,” benefiting the Blair Haven Farm Equine Rescue and Sanctuary. They have been rescuing horses in need, in Ellijay, since 2021.