David Cassidy on the Web
Humane Society hosts Paw Picnic
David Cassidy performs for CGHS annual event
Sunday, August 7, 2011
By W. T. Eckert
Hudson-Catskill Newspapers
www.registerstar.com
The Columbia-Greene Humane Society held its eighth annual Paw Picnic Saturday at Waldorf Thoroughbred Farm in Chatham, an event that included a silent auction, live auction and a performance from television personality and recording artist David Cassidy.
This is the fourth year the event was held at Waldorf, which is owned by veterinarian Doctor Jerry Bilinski. Members of the CGHS said that the support they received from Bilinski has been "overwhelming" and they couldn't be more thankful.
"This is our eighth annual [Paw Picnic] for CGHS," Columbia-Greene Humane Society Chair of the Board Charlene Marchand said. "It's our biggest fundraiser. It's both a key and primary event for us." Marchand said that the event had been held in other locations over the years; however, Waldof was the most welcoming. "This is our fourth year at Waldorf," she said. "Dr. Bilinski opened his Waldorf arms to us and we just love it."
Marchand added she was glad to see the turnout and the contributions made in times of economic trouble. "It's a blessing to see people dig deep to help make this happen. What a blessing this is."
Picnic attendees wandered the grounds and ate as the silent auction was conducted and the stage was being prepared for two events special events.
Auction Chair of the CGHS, Gayle Skluzacek, stood in front of the stage, where items ranging from paintings to cat printed bowls were placed for auction.
"We try to raise awareness of abuse to animals," Skluzacek said, "Dr. Bilinski is sharing the land because of this cause." Skluzacek said that all the proceeds from the auctions both live and silent would be going to the Humane Society.
Before he climbed the stage to conduct the live auction, Mike Fallon, Copake Auction volunteer to the CGHS, said that helping charities is something that he takes pleasure in. "We're always really glad to help local charities," he said. "Good things go on in this county and the doctor that has this farm is a hero to do this. It's to save the animals, so it's a wonderful cause."
With the live auction underway, numbers were raised and bidding commenced. Thousands of dollars were raised, with the bidders benefiting from the arts and crafts that came and left the stage.
Columbia County Court Judge Jonathan Nichols stood at the back of the tent with his daughter, Chelsea. "I was on the Board of Directors for the CGHS but had to resign when I was elected into office because they prosecute animal cruelty cases," Nichols said. "It's seen as a conflict of interest. I still love to contribute to the cause anyway I can, though."
Nichols participated in the live auction, bidding on a handmade, freshwater pearl necklace and earrings set made by Maureen Matsuura, who is based out of California. He won the bid and donated $250 by doing so. "I bought it for my wife. I had to send her home early so I could surprise her with it."
"Next is this cow painting on wood," Fallon announced. Prices were called out to the crowd. "Two and a quarter? Do I hear three [hundred]?" Columbia County resident Charlie Schram bid "three and a quarter" and he found himself in the possession of a cow painting on wood by artist Kyle Ann Woerstle-Carlson, donating $325 in return.
"We come to this every year," Schram said. "This is a fabulous thing for the animals. We over spend but it's for the animals, so we can't think of a better place to be."
CGHS CEO Ron Perez Jr. stood talking with Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin as the live auction ended. "We serve 1000 animals a year," Perez Jr. said. "There has been tremendous support of our organization. The community has contributed, donated and volunteered. There were nearly 500 people in attendance today. It really hits on all heads. "
"This is a great event," McLaughlin added. "Events like this are important to highlight the need to support our four-legged and feathered friends."
Perez Jr. said just over a month ago the CGHS had a cruelty seizure from a property in Greene County where they collected nine horses. He said that Dr. Bilinski has been helping by rehabilitating two of them. "They were out here earlier and he has been doing a wonderful job. Doctor Bilinski is a honorary life time member of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society.
As David Cassidy took the stage and the audience moved up from the back of the tent, Dr. Jerry Balinski, who had been watching over the crowd from horseback, ducked under a tree, stage-side to get out of the rain which had just started falling.
"This means a lot to me," Bilinski said, raising his voice over Cassidy, who was starting his set off with "Come on Get Happy."
"I've been a veterinarian for 40 plus years and as I have gotten long into my career I really wanted to give back to my four-legged friends."
Bilinski said that he wanted to contribute with CGHS and that he appreciates their methods in the treatment of animals. "They're good people and they apply commonsense in their approach to the humane treatment of animals."
He said he stood strongly behind the fact that they we a zero euthanasia shelter.
Marchand said that the CGHS was proud of methods taken on by the shelter.
"Nine years ago we started a zero euthanasia shelter for placeable animals. It's a big commitment meaning some of the dogs and cats stay with us for many months up to a year. The staff has to keep them both mentally stable and physically fit in order to make them placeable in homes."
Bilinski said that his tie to David Cassidy came through a mutual friend. Cassidy, who is both an advocate against the cruelty of animals and a horse owner, was interested in New York State horse breeding and was advised to go through Waldorf and Bilinski. "We have some of David's horses here. I think we have about four," he said. "The Celebrity draw certainly helps with the cause today."
