NVHS hosting “Cat-Tillion” fundraiser

The Neponset Valley Humane Society (NVHS) is hosting a fundraiser on Friday, April 11, at the Sons of Italy Lodge in Braintree to support its efforts across Norwood and beyond to feed, house and provide medical care for stray cats.

The fundraiser, entitled, “A Night of Dancing, a Lifetime of Second Chances,” will be a ballroom-style dance and dinner event designed to help raise funds and give a good night out, according to organizer Diane Parazin. She said the “Cat-Tillion” name is a play on words of a cotillion, which is a traditional ballroom dance originating in the south to help young people meet in a formalized – then chaperoned – setting. The dances were traditionally in square formation, but Parazin said they won’t be as formal as some square dancing sessions hosted in the area.

“We just wanted to use it for the play on words,” she said with a laugh.

NVHS president Cathy Tainter said the night will help to fund efforts to take care of the region’s feline friends in need.

“One evening of celebration can support months of foster care,” she said. “When people buy a ticket, they’re not just attending a party. They’re helping a cat receive medical treatment, warmth, and a chance at a forever home.”

The organization funds foster care, rescue efforts and spay-and-neuter operations for both newly-homed animals and feral colonies throughout the area. Parazin said now is the time for cats to be making new cats, and the funding helps more than ever.

“It is spring my friend,” she said. “Last year we had tons and tons of cats and kittens up for adoption. So all of this helps us gear up in anticipation of what we know is going to be our busiest part of the season. Our biggest rescue, adoption, outreach and need for community support time is right now.”

Parazin said vet care costs have skyrocketed recently – possibly in part due to private equity buying up a lot of clinics in the past few years https://tinyurl.com/3def78dk – and the funds are needed more than ever.

“Vet care has outpaced the cost of inflation, and it’s very expensive per cat now,” she said.

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Parazin said she’s looking forward to the event.

“I do enjoy dancing and I think the thing I like best is it’s a community event, it’s going to be a wonderful night, and every ticket helps us rescue cats,” she said. “I’m most excited about the potential of the event and joining the community in celebrating all things cat!”

Parazin said the organization is also gearing up for its May daily raffle event, which allows patrons to purchase one ticket good for 30 days of raffles. She said each ticket rolls over, and even if you won one raffle, you’re still in for the following ones.

For more information and for a list of adoptable cats, go to https://www.neponsethumane.org