“Pawty” proceeds break record

Andrea Smith of Pounds for Pounds Animal Charities collected 4,252 pounds of pet food for her fundraiser “pawty” at Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery on Feb. 7. Her granddaughter, Vivian, and friend, Jeff Lewis of Bradenton, helped out. [Submitted photo]

Many cats, dogs and other pets will have some lunch to munch on for a while, thanks to Andrea Smith, her nonprofit, Pounds for Pounds Animal Charities, and Smith’s Feb. 7 fundraiser to collect pet food.

Held for the first time at Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery, Smith’s “pawty” collected 4,252 pounds of pet food, a new record, up from the 3,116 pounds donated last year.  And Pounds for Pounds also oversaw the adoption of nine of 11 dogs who needed homes.

At the same time, the gallery held an exhibit of pet art that area artists contributed. A reception for the show, as well as for new gallery artists, has been rescheduled for Feb. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the gallery. Snacks will be served. The reception had been planned to coincide with the “pawty,” but a scheduling conflict arose.

The pet art exhibit will be on display through March 5. Visitors can vote for their favorite piece and the winner of the People’s Choice Award will receive $150.

Previously, Smith had held the annual “pawty” in her Citrus Springs yard. But teaming with the art gallery for the first time this year was “wonderful that it was not at my house,” Smith said. “The Rainbow art center couldn’t have been more gracious. And they let me run it the way I wanted.”

Twenty vendors, including artists and crafts people, as well as two food trucks, and area singer and guitarist Barry Denham, who was accompanied by a friend on flute and one on guitar, participated.

A vendor, Jennifer Hicks of Jens Metal Art & Design of Homosassa, donated 570 pounds of food, the most raised by a single contributor, and won an airboat ride for six.

For four years, gallery member and woodcarver Steve Burden has displayed his woodworking pieces at the “pawty.” He helped coordinate bringing the event to the gallery. He said Smith “has never lost her passion for raising awareness and food for shelters and the animals they house” and said it has been his pleasure working with her.

Smith started the fundraiser when she turned 60 and decided that instead of a typical birthday celebration, she wanted to give something back to the community. Over the years, including this year, she has collected about 12,000 pounds of pet food, which was donated to Citrus County Animal Services.

And she said she’s already making plans for a “pawty” at the gallery next Feb. 6, when she’ll turn 65.

Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and Monday. The gallery is at 20826 Walnut St., Dunnellon.

To learn more, call the gallery (352) 763-4048. Reach Smith by text at (941) 224-8145.