‘Biggest yard sale in history’ turned out to be… the ‘biggest yard sale in history!’

File photo of Malcolm Barr Sr. with his Japanese Chin ‘Hamlet’ during his years as president of the Humane Society of Warren County.

When the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter Executive Director Meghan Bowers boasted of an upcoming fundraiser “as the biggest yard sale in (Humane Society of Warren County) history” last weekend, she wasn’t kidding! The Friday-Saturday event (July 17-18) raised twice as much money as last year from almost an acre of goods spread out around the Front Royal shelter.

Total take, but still counting, was more than $6,300 to help keep the animals comfortable, safe and secure. That’s just about double the amount raised in 2019 ($3,500), which was more than any total raised at the annual event in years past.

Said Bowers, who took a tumble at the sale, injuring an arm, “Thanks to all of you who donated and shopped, and a big special thanks to our volunteers who made it possible.”

Like most non-profits – and “for profits” for that matter – the HSWC is having a tough time keeping its financial head above water during these trying pandemic-limiting economic times, and is working on alternatives to pay for the animals’ upkeep. For example, the annual “Barks & Bags” event ($20,000 raised in 2019) is currently being revised to conform with local and state regulations and is expected to equal or exceed last year’s net income without the colorful ladies only luncheon.  An announcement is pending on that one.

Meanwhile, many more local residents are volunteering time and money on behalf of the animals. Fostering of dogs and cats has become more commonplace and additional volunteers are helping out since shelter staffing has been drastically reduced during the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. Unexpectedly large cash donations such as a recent anonymous matching $2,000 cash guarantee for any funds collected before July 31. As of this writing, donors had given $1,690 with just $310 to go to assure a $4,000 gift to the shelter.

The ever-popular weekly “Yappy Hour” was kick-started after a four-month hiatus just three weeks ago. It is hosted by the restaurant ViNoVa at 124 Main Street Friday evenings (6-8 p.m.) and raises several hundred dollars a month for animal shelter operations. Owners may bring their (well-behaved) dogs since the event is held in the roadway outside the tapas bar. It has proved to be a fun night for dogs and owners alike, a break from the worries of the virus and the resultant lack of normal social activities.

Donations to push the matching funds drive over the top may be mailed to HSWC, 1245 Progress Drive, Front Royal, VA 22630. Checks should be marked “Match”.

(Our contributing writer Malcolm Barr Sr. is a past president of the Warren County Humane Society.)