This Weekend: Funky Fundraiser

Or: Announcing Animal Rescue of Queens!

This event was brought to my attention by some fellow (and downright awesome) animal lovers here in north Brooklyn. What’s more they were kind enough to help me arrange to meet Howard Wu, the fellow who is behind this new (and much-needed) endeavor: Animal Rescue of Queens! Follows is a synopsis of our conversation.

Who: Mr. Wu has worked and volunteered in NYC animal shelters and rescue organizations for ten years. As such he has first-hand experience in animal rescue.

Where: Now he is striking out to start his own organization in Long Island City. To this end he has purchased a building at 11th Street and 44th Avenue.

When: Once the building is vacated, February 2015, Animal Rescue of Queens (“ARQ”) will need to thoroughly rework the space. This will cost $75,000 and includes (but is not limited to):

• Installing a new heating system and ventilation
• Overhauling plumbing and electrical wiring
• Roof repairs
• Refurbishing the adoption space to make it comforting for two-legged and four-legged critters alike. THINK: not what one thinks of when he/she hears the words “animal shelter”. Or, as Howard put it:”Our adoptable dogs and cats will receive a high level of care, and will be taught the skills needed to make transitioning into a home as seamless as possible, for them and their adopters. To do this, the center will be set up with rooms and not cages. The rooms will contain home furnishings, just as would be seen in a home environment.”

How: Howard explained to me his vision for “ARQ”. Simply put, he wants to create an adoption center where animals and potential adopters alike feel comfortable. He wishes to see the animal shelter/adoption experience as a welcoming, community-based one wherein folks can meet and make a friend for life. Hence why the pup featured on the above flier (and his business card*) wears a cape; the human/pet relationship is a two way street. It not simply a matter of “rescuing” an animal. Furkids are our companions. They cheer us up when we’re feeling down; love us when we feel unloved. The list goes on and on.

They are our heroes.

as he put it. Who can disagree with that?

This is why “ARQ” needs our help: they need funding to make these renovations happen! To this end they are having a fundraiser at Sweet Science this upcoming Sunday, December 7th. Check it out!

Funky Fundraiser For Animal Rescue Queens
December 7, 2014 starting at 5:00 p.m.
Sweet Science
135 Graham Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11206

Those of you who are unable to attend but wish to make a donation can do so by clicking here. NOTE: these contributions are tax-deductible. Those who care to contact Howard can do so via email at: howard (at) ARQadopt.org. Otherwise, he has informed that me come February he plans to have an open house and fundraiser featuring artwork for auction. Take note, my north Brooklyn/Queens artist comrades!

*which also features a cat— but not prominently enough to satisfy this cat lady! Hey, you do not expect me not to good-naturedly bust his chops about this?

Really?