
Friendsgiving Fundraiser for Local Shelter Animals
Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare is excited to announce that they will, once again, be hosting Friendsgiving…A Dessert and Wine Auction to celebrate their 7th year anniversary of fundraising for Manatee County Animal Welfare shelter animals.
The event will be held Saturday, November 11th, 6:00-10:00pm at the IMG Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Parkway, Bradenton. More than 30 delectable desserts made by local, professional bakeries and home bakers will be available by live and silent auction. There will also be fabulous gift baskets in the live and silent auctions, plus the famous wine pull and a cash bar. Seating is limited. Tickets are $25 and include a delicious menu served buffet style from IMG Chef Rocky Fidelibus. Local celebrity Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery, will be the auctioneer. It is going to be a fun evening!

Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare (FoMCAW) formed in 2016 and in seven years the nonprofit organization has raised just over $700,000. The funds benefit several programs including: Grace and Friends Medical Fund, Heal My Heart for treatment for heartworm positive dogs, Slumber Fund to ensure every dog has a bed in their kennel, Traveling Paws which partners with northern rescues to transport our dogs to forever homes out of area, Enrichment and, Food for Ferals. The biggest need is the medical fund with 50% of the funds raised going for lifesaving surgeries, treatments and physical therapy for animals that would otherwise face humane euthanasia due to costs.
Board president, Kassandra Zess-Pagel states, “Friendsgiving is a celebration of all we have accomplished. Without the generosity of the community and funds raised through events like Friendsgiving we would not have been able to save the number of animals we have over the last seven years. We hope everyone will join us to celebrate this huge milestone and all we have accomplished as a community.”
For event information or to learn about Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare, visit FOMCAW or call 941-713-3105.
Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare’s mission is to work hand in hand with Manatee County Animal Welfare to enrich the lives of the shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources, medical care, and heartworm treatment.Photos from Friendsgiving