INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — It’s a sure bet that Brittany Norair, Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County volunteer coordinator, lost a few pounds off her already slender physique as she sweltered beneath a furry Max the Mutt costume – repeatedly deep-kneeing it down to toddler level for pats and photos.
But it was all for a good cause – the Puppy Love Party at Mulligan’s Beach House to benefit the Humane Society.
The event was the last in a series of Mulligan’s 12 Weeks of Summer events, which owner George Hart established four years ago.
Every Thursday night this summer from 5 to 8 p.m. at each of its locations, including the newest one in Sebastian, Mulligan’s donated 10 percent of the night’s proceeds to a local charity or non-profit organization and gave them space at the front of the restaurant to promote their mission.
Staff and volunteers from the shelter donned puppy-eared caps to greet a steady stream of patrons, handing out children’s coloring books specifically relating to the shelter, forms for pet owners to obtain free pet ID tags, timely information on pet safety in times of disaster, and the numerous other ways the Humane Society serves people and animals in Indian River County.
Children excitedly accepted toys and beach balls provided by Mulligan’s, and had a difficult time deciding whether to play with them immediately, or take advantage of the always popular bounce house.
Sponge Bob also made an appearance, eliciting squeals of delight and laughter from the little ones, as did a very talented balloon artist.
Outside Mulligan’s, merchants lined the sidewalk with colorful displays of clothing, jewelry, sunglasses and other assorted items, bravely defiant in the face of ominous rumbles and the flashes of lightening visible west of the beach.
Sexton Plaza strollers and Mulligan’s outdoor diners were also treated to the melodic sounds of musicians Jason Nesbit of the Old Barber Bridge, and Dave Ullrich of Crooked Creek, who have been delighting Thursday night regulars for the past two years.
“George likes to help kids – young or old it doesn’t matter,” said Angie Schepers, marketing and PR director of Mulligan’s Beach House restaurants in Vero Beach and Sebastian.
Now that the 12 Weeks of Summer program has ended, they’ve turned their attention to slightly older kids.
“We’re feeding the high school football teams of Vero Beach and Sebastian; I think there are 80 players and coaches each team,” said Schepers. “Before the games, they come in with their coaches on busses and eat; we’re feeding them whether they’re home or away games. Everybody is very excited.”
The Humane Society is also very excited – they will celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2013 and are gearing up for several new fundraisers.
“All of our events will follow Queen Elizabeth’s initiative; it will be our diamond jubilee,” said board member Sheila Marshall.
The lineup includes Art for Animals, scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend, and a new Bark in the Park event at Riverside Park in January. A Wine Tasting in February, featuring specially labeled wines with names such as Chateau de Cats, Bad to the Bone, and Swine and Cheese, will take place at a Sotheby’s property.
The ever popular Cause for Paws will be a month-long event in March, beginning with an online auction March 1 and culminating with a Cause for Paws Gala March 25 at the Moorings. The engaging Sherlock Bones Scavenger Hunt will close out the celebratory year in June.
For more information, visit the shelter’s website, www.hsvb.org.