BOSS holds potluck luncheon at Beach church
Roughly 50 members of the Bay Oaks Social Seniors and guests enjoyed a potluck luncheon at Chapel by the Sea Wednesday. The monthly event was extra special due to the celebration of Beach resident Vinnie Mulinaro’s 101st birthday.
The potluck hosted guest speaker Isabelle Wells of “Find a Home, Give a Home,” an animal rescue organization on Fort Myers Beach. Wells held a raffle at the potluck, involving gift certificates from Hair by Ollie, Sand Bar & Grille and Truly Scrumptious. All proceeds went directly back to the organization for pet care.
“We rescue dogs and cats on Fort Myers Beach. The reason we began it is because I have received lots of emails from people who are either moving off the Beach or going to another home and could not take their pets.”
The pet rescue organization, which began about a year ago, also rescues feral cats from the streets, brings them to a veterinarian to have them vaccinated, spaded or neutered then finds new homes for them.
“We only work with fosters. None of the dogs and cats are caged,” she said. “We do fundraisers to raise funds for the organization.”
Wells told a story about receiving a call from a lady at a Beach condominium who found a cat and didn’t know what to do with it.
“We took care of it, and she will be able to give the cat a home,” she said.
Wells asked the seniors to pass the word around to see if anyone would be interested in adopting or fostering a pet. She also said the organization would be on hand at the 25th annual American Sand Sculpting Competition and Beach Festival on Nov. 5 and 6 at GullWing and Pointe Estero resorts.
Wells also noted the Beach pet organization will hold a large food collection for the pets during the entire month of December. The organization is a 501C3 that accepts monetary donations that are tax deductible.
“Any donation will be greatly appreciated,” she said.
The potluck featured shared dishes from the members and a birthday cake for the birthday boy.
Strangely, not one person in the room had a cigarette lighter or match to light the birthday candles. That is a great testament to nonsmoking habits by the social seniors.
Vinnie sang a song for the occasion and thanked everyone for coming.
“I love you all and God Bless you,” he said after the song.