Rotary hosts speaker from Purple Cat

Staff report

STRUTHERS

Jimmy Sutman of The Purple Cat spoke at a recent meeting of the Struthers Rotary Club, which was hosted by Rotarian Kim Sauerwein. Sutman spoke of an upcoming beer and wine taste fundraiser that will assist those housed by The Purple Cat and enhance their living experience. The event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. March 9 at the Maronite Center, 1555 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

In addition to providing room and board for its residents, The Purple Cat sponsors entertainment outings and provides transportation to and from medical and family visits. A recent addition to the organization is a property in Coitsville that houses animals for residents to interact with and has been expanded with the use of grants to provide campground facilities.

The Purple Cat, which got its name from a phrase frequently used by its first client, was founded in 2003. It currently has 30 housing facilities. The initial Purple Cat concept has been expanded to incorporate more diverse avenues of activity, including Isle Inc., Golden String Inc., Golden String Radio, Gallagher’s Lunch Bucket and Touch the Moon Candy Saloon.

More information on The Purple Cat and its associated groups can be found at www.bigpurplecat.com or by emailing Sutman at jimmy@goldenstringradio.org.