Founded in 1981, the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League has been a limited admission animal shelter almost entirely supported by volunteers and donations.

BARL does now have a single, part-time employee to help maintain the shelter, but BARL President Lu Becker, herself a volunteer, said they don’t have a lot of administrative upkeep.

Instead, almost all of the funds raised by BARL go toward taking care of animals at the shelter and preparing them for adoption.

“The funds generated provide BARL with the income needed to spay/neuter animals in order to reduce the homeless pet population and adopt out animals, which leads to fewer dogs and cats roaming the streets,” Becker said. “We aren’t just helping animals. We are helping the community.”

BARL does require a $75 adoption fee to help pay for these services, but Becker said that price is less than half of the actual cost.

“We aren’t selling them,” Becker said. “We don’t make a profit.”

Instead, BARL relies heavily on donations. At 6 p.m. on Oct. 20 at the Lincoln County Civic Center, BARL will host its 12th annual Celebrity Dinner and Auction. Becker said that the event is BARL’s largest fundraiser.

“The businesses and individuals who support this event are making a huge difference in our community,” Becker said.

Event tickets are $25, and BARL is asking people to pre-purchase the tickets because they have limited seating. People hoping to attend can buy tickets from Julie Montalvo by calling 601-757-1057 or emailing info@barl.net. BARL said Celebrity Dinner waiters and BARL board members are also selling tickets.

Each waiter will have their own table with its own theme, and will be collecting tips for the event. The waiter with the most tips will win the title Waiter of the Year. Those who can’t make it to the event can also send a check marked with the name of the waiter they want to support to BARL’s office, or through the PayPal button on BARL’s Facebook page.

The Celebrity Dinner and Auction will have a buffet for guests, and Kendall Covington will be leading the auction. There will also be a silent auction throughout the event.

“Well over 100 items will be auctioned at the dinner,” BARL said. “Items include gift certificates for massages, dog grooming, pet sitting, dry cleaning, oil changes, teeth whitening and a year’s subscription to The Daily Leader.”

The auction will also feature an Ole Miss football signed by former player Patrick Willis and a Mississippi State football signed by coach Dan Mullen.

“Our auctions will have items for everyone’s budget,” Becker said. “We encourage our guests to do a little Christmas shopping at the auction.  Everyone is going to be amazed at the quality items we will have that night.”

Aside from donations, Becker said that anyone wanting to help out can also volunteer. Even when the shelter is closed for adoption, the animals need constant care, which must be provided by volunteers.

Anyone interested in adopting, contributing, or volunteering should contact BARL at 601-757-4367 or info@barl.net.

 

 

Donations are tax deductible and may be mailed to BARL, P.O. Box 3477, Brookhaven, MS  39603.

Many of BARL’s adoptable animals may be viewed online at www.barl.net.