This has given me a smile today!
HELPING OUT IN THE WESTERN SUBURBS
Where homeless cats find a home
By Nancy Munson
Tribune staff reporter
February 7, 2007
Even though it was Super Bowl Sunday and one of the coldest days of the year, fans of homeless felines gathered anyway to sample chocolates and raise money for Cat Guardians, a no-kill animal shelter for stray cats.
The Chocolate Sunday Plus event, featuring chocolate desserts and a silent auction, raised a record $4,200 for the cageless, non-profit humane society located in a house in Lombard.
"Many of the animals are rescued from the outdoors and may never be adopted, so we are their family," said Barb Sounhein, a board member and volunteer.
Generally the cats are feral, or wild, and have not been domesticated.
Cat Guardians was started 15 years ago to help with feline overpopulation and the homeless animal problem in DuPage County, and over the years approximately 1,500 cats have been adopted out, Sounhein said.
The shelter has space for 50 cat residents, and every cat is spayed or neutered to prevent further unwanted animals.
The shelter currently has about 35 volunteers who assist with daily cleaning and feeding, shots, grooming, socializing and fundraising. One of this year's goals is to form a committee to start applying for grants, Sounhein said.
Donations of dry and canned food, cat litter, baking soda, paper towels and gift cards are always needed.
For more information, call 630-543-3395 or visit www.catguardians.hypermart.net.