MACOMB – A man walks into a bar with his dog, Fido.
'This dog can talk!' he says. Bartender: 'Prove it.' Man: 'What's on top of a house?'
Fido: 'Roof!' Man: 'Who's the best baseball player?'
Fido: 'Ruth!' Bartender: 'Get out!' Outside, Fido looks at his owner: 'Should I have said Ernie Banks?'
Lol ('laugh out loud' for those who don't use text lingo) for a good cause Saturday, July 26 as the Humane Society of McDonough County (HSMC) presents the fundraiser, Comedy to the Rescue. The event, which will be held at the Spoon River College Outreach Center, will begin at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the ticket sales will be used to support the HSMC's annual budget to provide shelter animals with specialized medical care and help with other shelter needs.
Comedy to the Rescue Founder Clay Foley and friend
Tickets for Comedy to the Rescue are $35/person, or $250 for a table of eight, and can be purchased at the HSMC website, HSMCIL.org or by sending a check to HSMC Comedy to the Rescue, P.O. Box 7, Macomb, IL 61455.
According to HSMC President Bonnie Smith-Skripps, annually, an average of $20,000 is spent to help pay for the care of the shelter's 'residents.'
Other funds are used for the Angel Fund dollars given to McDonough County veterinarian clinics for their discretionary use in emergency situations, spay/neuter initiatives, promotion of animals and foster care support.
Comedy to the Rescue, which was founded by Illinois stand-up comedian Clay Foley, is an ongoing series of stand-up fundraisers benefiting homeless pets. His 'Comedy to the Rescue' initiative is a culmination of his years working in animal welfare and stand-up comedy. 'Comedy to the Rescue' tours the country to help animal welfare organizations raise needed funds, according to Foley's website, comedytotherescue.org.
In addition to raising general operating funds, the society is also in the midst of its New Shelter Building Campaign. To date, close to $970,000 has been raised for the new McDonough County Animal Shelter. Recently, the City of Macomb agreed to lease land just east of the current shelter on Tower Road for the construction of the new shelter. At least an additional $500,000 may be needed to complete the project, Smith-Skripps noted.
'Once we have the architect drawings complete and a contractor in place, we will be able to estimate actual costs,' she added.
The HSMC is a State of Illinois not-for-profit and a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations to the New Building Campaign (and the HSMC) are tax-deductible. For more information on the humane society (including how to donate), visit hsmcil.org. Gifts can be made online or by check or cash.
