LAKE COUNTY — Calendars are in and the clothes are off!
Animal Coalition of Lake County (ACLC) is proud to present “The Naked Truth,” a 2009 calendar featuring local models baring it all and bits of information about pet health and overpopulation.
The Naked Truth is a fund-raising project supporting the ACLC”s mission to reduce pet overpopulation in Lake County. According to Lake County Animal Care and Control (LCACC) in 2007 more than 1,500 dogs and cats were euthanized in Lake County.
“Pet overpopulation in our county is immense. Unwanted cats and dogs are euthanized at a higher rate than neighboring counties with larger populations,” said ACLC Secretary Marty Comito. “Each month hundreds of dogs and cats are given up to shelters or left to die on our streets and rural landscape. They all would have made wonderful companions if given the chance.”
According to the coalition, nude charity calendars have become a fund-raising staple since members of the Rystone branch of the Women”s Institution stripped off their clothes. The Rystone women”s story transformed into the British hit film “Calendar Girls.”
“Regular folks in Lake County have cast aside their modesty for their own favorite fundraiser, too,” said Comito. “Local curves and a few wrinkles are the antithesis of these glossy calendars featuring models from our own community.”
The Naked Truth features men and women hailing from a variety of professions throughout the community. Firefighters, banking representatives, legal professionals, business owners and more bare it all for the sake of reducing pet overpopulation. Models are presented in a discrete, tasteful manner.
Calendar signings begin on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Ployez Winery in Lower Lake. The public is invited to come meet the models and purchase their calendars, which are priced at $15 apiece. Appetizers will be served.
The Animal Coalition of Lake County was formed in December 2007 by a group of concerned citizens. Board member Rita Doyle has been instrumental in the organization”s success thus far. “She is the heart and soul of the newly formed board and 501c(3) organization,” Comito said. “Rita has in some cases, been able to rescue unwanted pets and find homes for them. But, her most clear and vital work is raising awareness and funds to stop the killing of our four-legged companions.”
Animal Coalition of Lake County will hold its final fundraising yard sale of the year 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at From Me 2 U, 14104 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake. Shop, donate or volunteer with the organization to be a part of the solution to reduce pet overpopulation in Lake County, coalition members say.
The ACLC board of directors includes President Georgina Lehne, Vice President Elaine Somit, Treasurer George Lehne and Secretary Marty Comito. Board members and volunteers meet monthly to develop policies, business plans and goals. Anyone interested in contributing their time or making a monetary donation to the animals of Lake County is encouraged to contact Rita Doyle at 995-0522.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
