Dear readers: Valley Humane Society in Pleasanton, CA, is in trouble. We can’t afford to lose the valuable services of this special shelter. Please donate what you can to help them survive. Go to http://www.valleyhumane.org for information on how you can help. Thanks for caring (and helping!). There’s lots more details below, explaining this serious situation. /Gary

WE NEED YOUR HELP! PLEASE HELP US SAVE OUR SHELTER!

To Gary’s readers:
Valley Humane Society urgently needs your help. The poor economy and the increase in demand for our services bring us to the point where we no longer have the funds to continue operating at our usual capacity.

We have already reduced by half the number of animals we care for. If VHS doesn’t receive significant funding in the next 30 days, we will be forced to cut staff and programming, after which our final option will be to close the shelter. These measures will directly affect hundreds of cats and dogs in the Tri-Valley and thousands of residents who depend on our programs.

We are determined to save the shelter by raising $125,000. After 25 wonderful years in Pleasanton, Valley Humane Society has rescued thousands of animals. As an organization that receives no local, state, or federal funding we have always relied on community donations to survive.
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The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce announced its 46th annual Community Service Awards last Friday.

Valley Humane Society received an award for Non-Profit or Public Service Organization — for non-profit organizations that have contributed to Pleasanton through philanthropic efforts.
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SMOOTH JAZZ:
Craig Chaquico will perform at Valley Humane Society’s “Jazzed About Pets,” an exciting evening of smooth jazz, to be held from 7-10:30 p.m. March 1, at the Palm Event Center, 1184 Vineyard Avenue, Pleasanton.

Enjoy a delightful array of heavy hors d’oeuvres and no-host cocktails as you savor the music.

TICKETS:
Admission is $85 per person and proceeds go to support the programs of Valley Humane Society (more below) in Pleasanton. For more details and to purchase admission to “Jazzed About Pets,” contact VHS at 925-426-8656, or visit http://www.valleyhumane.org.

ABOUT THE PLAYERS:
Headliner Craig Chaquico has engaged and inspired two generations of pop music fans as the lead guitarist and most prolific principle song-writer for Jefferson Starship and Starship, from 1973-1990. With 20 Gold records combined between the Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship and Starship, Craig was instrumental in making that combination one of the most successful bands in history.

In the early 1990’s Craig left the fast-paced pop world and reinvented himself as an award winning solo contemporary instrumental artist, songwriter, producer and bandleader. He’s now one of the most popular and best-selling artists in the smooth jazz genre.

London-born pianist and composer Terry Disley will open the evening with his 5 piece all-star jazz group, The Terry Disley Experience. As a long-time touring and recording keyboardist, Terry has worked on studio and live projects with Bryan Ferry, Van Morrison, George Harrison and has appeared alongside jazz luminaries such as McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton and Monty Alexander. The Terry Disley Experience plays original compositions, which embrace swing, cool jazz, funk, salsa rhythms and reggae with some very catchy accessible melodies.

ABOUT VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY:
VHS is an animal welfare organization advocating responsible pet ownership. They seek to provide their community with educational outreach and collaborative programs that enrich the bond between people and companion animals and eliminate unnecessary euthanasia.

They are the only no-kill facility in the area to accept animals by private surrender. VHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that receives no government funds, tax dollars, or money from national humane organizations. Their programs and services are available because of the generosity of the community.

VHS is located at 3670 Nevada Street, Pleasanton. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How often to you get a chance to get jazzed and help a special organization at the same time? Go for it! /Gary