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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Guests looked at the gift baskets that were donated as part of the 50/50 raffle for the West Side Cats Annual Motorcycle Run on July 16.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Vendors set up tents at Austintown Park on July 16 for the Annual Motorcycle Run hosted by West Side Cats.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Motorcycles were lined up at Austintown Park on July 16 for the West Side Cats Annual Motorcycle Run.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Live entertainment was provided at the West Side Cats Motorcycle Run at Austintown Park on July 16 to help raise money.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.One of the dogs from Pawz 2 Adopt Me came out to the motorcycle run on July 16 to visit all of the guests at Austintown Park.
By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI
Motorcyclists revved their engines on July 16 for the sixth annual Motorcycle Run hosted by West Side Cats at Austintown Park.
This year West Side Cats partnered with Pawz 2 Adopt to raise money for their shelter dogs and cats. Both shelters are volunteer-run and no-kill.
“We are basically two small shelters and we decided to try and see if we could get a bigger crowd,” said Jane Polish, President of West Side Cats.
There were 60 motorcycles who participated in the run and between 100-150 people who came to support the cause. Vendors set up tents and tables in the park parking lot and sold their products.
“It’s nice, laid back and helps the shelters out,” said Josh Hausley who has participated in the run for four years.
Live entertainment was provided by Amanda Jones and Ron Hamrick. There was food, baked goods and baskets that were being raffled off in a 50/50. Most of the food, the gift baskets and other items that were provided were all donations from businesses and community members.
West Side Cats works with Petco and PetSmart in Boardman to help with the cat adoption. The shelter usually deals with around 600-800 cats a year.
“Right now we have about 30 dogs. Generally we pull from Trumbull County Pound when they’re full,” said Nancy Logero of All About the Pawz.
All of the proceeds raised from the motorcycle run will benefit both shelters. The money will go toward vet bills, food, blankets and other items needed to help keep the animals healthy.
West Side Cats is located on Mahoning Avenue in Youngstown and All About the Pawz is located in Austintown. Both shelters can be found on Facebook. Volunteers and donations are always needed to help with the animals and are greatly appreciated.