August. Back to school. Football season. Tailgating. What better way to get ready for the season of tailgating than to visit the home to some of the best BBQ in the state, Magnolia Blues?

On Tuesday, Aug. 20, the restaurant will host its annual Barks & Brews benefit for the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League (BARL) 3-9 p.m. All proceeds generated during that time period will be donated to BARL. Custom designed Barks & Brews t-shirts will be for sale and musical guest will be Blake Scafidel, who is donating his time and talent in support of BARL.  

BARL volunteers are also working on other fundraisers. They are contacting businesses and individuals about yearly sponsorship opportunities. Sponsors are highlighted at fundraisers and adoption events throughout the year starting with the Fifth Annual Canines, Cats and Corks (CCC) Wine & Spirit Tasting. 

The tasting event is one of the largest selections of wines and spirits in Mississippi, featuring over 50 fabulous labels. CCC is set for Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Brookhaven Building. Live piano music and hors d’oeuvres will round out the evening. CCC Main Tickets, plus an option to upgrade to a Luxury Pass, can be purchased at barl.net/events, from a BARL volunteer or at Bank of Franklin in Brookhaven.

In addition to yearly sponsorships, volunteers are collecting items for the annual Barks & Bids Online Auction scheduled for Oct. 20-24. Each year the auction features more than 100 items. Bidders will see a vast array of items from businesses and individuals, including one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces.

“We took in over 1,200 animals last year, in addition to assisting another 680 animals get spayed/neutered,” said Rusty Adcock, BARL president. “BARL provides the animals with food, shelter, veterinary care, and anything they need to keep them healthy and comfortable until they find homes. Adoption fees do not cover the cost of the animals’ care. Fundraising is difficult; however, it is a reality for us. BARL does not receive government funding. Without the support of our donors and a core group of volunteers doing exhaustive work, BARL would not exist.”

Businesses and individuals looking to support BARL through sponsorships or auction items should contact volunteers Gail Garbo at 601-757-3211 or Julie Montalvo at 601-757-3211.  

BARL’s mission is to humanely care for shelter animals while contributing to community activities that reduce pet overpopulation, encourage responsible pet ownership, protect public health and safety, and promote the human-animal bond.

BARL is a volunteer-based, 501 c3 charitable animal welfare organization serving Copiah, Franklin and Lincoln counties. BARL provides food, shelter and veterinary services for homeless animals until they are adopted. 

All BARL animals are vaccinated, spayed/neutered and microchipped. 

Anyone with questions about adopting, contributing, or volunteering should call BARL at 601-757-4367 or email info@barl.net. Donations are tax deductible and may be mailed to BARL, P.O. Box 3477, Brookhaven, MS 39603.

BARL features many of its adoptable animals online at barl.net and on its Facebook page.