WESTFIELD-Throughout the year, creatures large and small may need critical medical care during their stay at the Westfield Regional Animal Shelter. However, care for those animals comes with a cost and this spring a comedy fundraiser is scheduled to help those animals in need.
The event, Hearts and Pawz, will be held on May 19 at the Shortstop Bar & Grill on Springfield Road. Dinner will be served starting at 5:30 with the comedy show starting at 7. 
“We are so excited about this comedy event,” said Lori Charette, Westfield’s animal control operations manager, adding, “it will be our first fundraiser with our nonprofit Hearts to Pawz Project Inc.”
Hearts to Pawz Project Inc. is a volunteer, nonprofit organization created to supplement the resources of the Westfield Regional Animal Shelter.
While the final menu is still being discussed, an Italian-style buffet is planned including salad with house dressings and a “family recipe” pasta meal with “homemade sauces.”
The comedians for the evening show include Westfield’s own Rafi Gonzalez, as well as Jeremy Goff and Carolyn Plummer.
Being from Westfield, Gonzalez has been instrumental in aiding in the organization of this event.
“Who doesn’t love animals?,” said Gonzalez. “We are getting creative with our fundraising by combining our love for animals with a hilarious comedy show and buffet dinner. You will laugh the whole night, all while raising money for your local animal shelter.”
“The event will help pay for things that our city budget cannot pay for,” said Charette. “Some of the things that fundraisers help with are medical care, like dentals, additional bloodwork to determine the health of an animal, tumor removals, eye care and much more.”
Charette added that funds from events also assist with portals in the cat kennels that are important to give cats extra room as well as for those that do not want to be handled.
“Funds donated also helps with extra things like special foods for the animals on a special diet and enrichment for our shelter animals,” said Charette.
In addition to the dinner and show, a 50/50 raffle is planned as well as raffle baskets and a prize wheel. Raffle baskets will be “mostly” pet related with items for dogs, cats, and small animals including birds, rabbits and hamsters. The prize wheel will be a fun addition, featuring giveaways including tennis balls, plush toys and store coupons.
Charette will also have a table set up at the event that will include information on animal control and wildlife issues, what happens daily at the shelter, and pictures of animals available for adoption as well as those recently adopted.
Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased at Petsense Westfield or online at heartsandpawz.BPT.me. A nominal fee may be charged for the online registration. Tickets are tax deductible.
