Published: April 30, 2008 10:27 pm         

Sophia gears up for animal rescue benefit

The third annual Peanut’s Promise to Pets, scheduled for May 10 in downtown Sophia, promises to offer a little something for everyone, co-organizer John Fanary says.

The flea market raises money to support Raleigh County Animal Rescue in its mission of taking in and protecting abandoned animals until they find a permanent home. Animals rescued by RCAR, a “no-kill” organization, receive medical attention and shots and are spayed and neutered in order to stop the cycle of homeless pets.

“Somebody’s got to take the ropes and do something for the animals,” Fanary said, adding, aside from the Raleigh County Humane Society, RCAR is the only other group helping animals in the county.

Peanut’s Promise to Pets takes place in honor of Peanut, the late Sophia “town cat” who vanished in October 2005, prompting a large search throughout town. He was found three months later in Fayettevile and passed away in April 2007, just before the second installment of the event named after him.

As in previous years, the event, sponsored by RCAR and the Stagecoach Salon in Sophia, will include a flea market, food vendors, musical entertainment and a pet contest.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Fanary said.

Among the musical entertainment, RCAR president Patty Mertz said, will be gospel/variety group Erica and the New Beginnings, Cannon Houck, John Dow Meredith, known as “The Medicine Man,” rock group Dead End and the Stotesbury Community Church Choir.

Also, the Candyman from Groovy 94.1 will conduct a live remote from 10 a.m. to noon.

Trophies will be awarded to the winners of the animal contests, which will include categories like best tricks, best dressed, best kisser and longest tail.

Burning Rock ATV Trail director Brian Helmer will also be on hand with hats, T-shirts and information regarding the trail. Area ATV dealerships will attend with information about their products.

Estate jewelry, including a three-diamond platinum ring cluster diamond rings, earrings and a diamond Moose Lodge pin, will be sold through a silent auction.

Fanary, who described the jewelry as “beautiful,” said the items have been appraised by local jewelers and the appraisal value will be published.

For those looking for gifts for their pets, which are welcome to attend the event, handmade items such as toys, Lupin dog and cat leaches and collars will be sold.

Additionally, weather permitting, Mertz said, dogs will be available for adoption.

Fanary says donated items are needed for the flea market.

“We need donations badly,” he said, adding everything but clothing items will be accepted. “If anybody is spring cleaning, bring it to the Stagecoach.”

All donations are tax-deductible.

Anyone interested in donating, participating in the pet contest, becoming a vendor — for a $10 minimum donation — or in need of additional information can contact RCAR at 228-9047 or the Stagecoach at 683-2500.

— E-mail:

mjames@register-herald.com