H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue traded paws and purrs for punchlines and laughter, hosting Comedy to the Rescue at the Heritage Center, where the crowd made no bones about their eagerness to support the nonprofit while getting their giggles on.
A unique spin on the typical charity gala, the fundraiser was headlined by comedian and animal welfare advocate Clay Foley, who tours the country raising funds for shelters.
“We really just needed a night of laughter,” said Jacque Petrone, H.A.L.O. founder and executive director, noting the high-stress nature of the daily challenges of animal rescue.
It was a sentiment echoed by many of the staff and volunteers who have been navigating a particularly demanding period, including contending with a relentless “kitten season.”
Additionally, they are undergoing the remodel of their kennel in Sebastian, while also facing the imminent relocation of its Cat Adoption Center at the Indian River Mall. That section of the mall is set to be demolished as part of a multi-phase redevelopment project.
“Lots of unknowns as usual,” said Petrone, stressing the ongoing need for community support.
Foley, who lives in Illinois, said he found a way to combine his two passions: standup comedy and animal welfare.
“When I transitioned to standup comedy, I eventually had the idea to merge the two,” he said.
His nationwide fundraisers not only raise critical funds for shelters, but also provide a much-needed emotional release for the people on the front lines of rescue with comedy that is particularly well-suited for his audience.
“It’s very centered toward animal folks,” he said.
After Florida-based comedian Joey Nickel warmed up the crowd, Foley took to the stage, marveling at the turnout.
“We’ve already won this evening by packing every single chair in this place,” he declared.
Foley’s act touches on topics such as animal transport and TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return), a practice Petrone hopes to see legalized in Indian River County to help combat the continuing cat overpopulation.
“We need to get out there and start rounding up these cats that are breeding and breeding and breeding,” she explained, emphasizing the urgent need for a systematic approach.
Petrone founded H.A.L.O. in 2006 to provide a haven for abused and abandoned animals in the county and to create a community with no more homeless pets. Hoping to also reduce euthanasia rates in the county, the shelter does not euthanize based on age, space, medical needs or behavioral issues. It is committed to giving every animal the physical, emotional and medical care they need until a permanent home is found. Since its founding, H.A.L.O. has rescued more than 20,000 pets.
H.A.L.O. also addresses the needs of at-risk animals through a variety of programs. Its Homeward Bound program partners with K91 Training & Consulting to rehabilitate dogs with behavioral issues, so that long-term residents might find homes. Their Angel Medical program funds over $400,000 in annual veterinary care, so that animals are not euthanized for medical reasons.
Sponsors can cover pet adoption fees through the Angel Wings Adoption program, a strategy that has increased adoptions by over 40 percent, and their Snip Happens Voucher program offers low-cost spay/neuter services to the community.
Additionally, specialized foster and training programs, including Underdog Shy Dog, Bottle Baby, Sugar Faces and Ambassador programs, provide personalized care and increase adoption potential for animals of all needs.
Up next, HALO has planned Rhythm and Rescue: A Night in Havana on Nov. 15 at Heaton’s.
For more information, visit HaloRescueFl.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
