WESTFIELD-Kerry and Robin Plourde – having recently been denied a permit by the city to conduct fundraising events on their farm – feel blessed that area residents are willing to find ways to help them raise funds for the abused, neglected and abandoned animals that are now in their care at the Whip City Animal Sanctuary on Montgomery Road.
“We were surprised we were denied as we feel it is a win-win for us and the community,” said Robin Plourde.
In a statement, Carissa M. Lisee, superintendent of buildings and building commissioner, noted the proposed use of the property is “not accessory to the principal use (farming/agriculture).”
“The fundraising events need to be accessory to the farm/agricultural use,” said Lisee. “Since food truck events and car shows are not accessory to the agricultural use, it is not allowed.”
Lisee added that the owners of the property have the right to appeal the decision to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
“While this is a great cause and what they do for animals is extremely admirable, these larger fundraising events will need to be held in a zone that is more appropriate and allows for these types of events,” said Lisee.
As the Plourdes regroup, they have a volunteer – Sonia Henderson – who has stepped in to assist with fundraising endeavors. Henderson said her involvement with the sanctuary “just happened” one day.
Sonia Henderson, pictured with “Bella,” her Shorkie – a cross between the Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier dog breeds – is volunteering her time as a fundraising coordinator for the Whip City Animal Sanctuary. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
“The Sanctuary came across my Facebook one day and I liked the page,” said Henderson. “Later I saw a pic of Teddy and fell in love. I started going to visiting hours as much as I could.”
“Teddy,” a lovable calf that will soon celebrate his first year with a “birthday bash” on May 22 from 12-2 p.m., has captured the heart of not only Henderson but hundreds of local residents who have been praying – and cheering him on – since his arrival after being abandoned.
“Our celebration will feature a photo opportunity with the birthday boy (donation requested), a small raffle, and free goodies for children who attend,” said Plourde. “Of course, all of Teddy’s furry friends will be out and about as well.”
For Henderson, who has four rescue cats and two small dogs at home, volunteering to help the Plourdes is a labor of love.
“I volunteered for Wednesday nights to help out, no experience, but I really enjoy being there,” said Henderson. “I started talking to them about fundraising and they were happy to have someone help out.”
Henderson said she works with a crafter’s group that helps rescues and since the online auctions do well raising funds, she decided to try the idea for the Whip City Animal Sanctuary.
“This was our first successful fundraiser, raising over $4,000,” said Henderson.
All of the money raised through fundraisers help with food for the animals, grounds maintenance, and vet bills.
“The best way people can help is to share the flyers we send out on Facebook,” said Henderson. “The more people share – the more people that see them.”
Currently, there are more than 2,000 “likes” on the Whip City Animal Sanctuary Facebook page, and Henderson is hopeful that those “likes” will increase as people share the news from the Plourdes.
“We have great response from our followers,” said Henderson, adding, “and, of course, donate when they can and whatever they can … every little bit helps.”
Henderson said the current fundraiser posted on Facebook is a Savers clothing drive, encouraging area residents to donate clothing, shoes and textiles through May 29.
“They can drop off at the farm during visiting hours or contact me for pick up,” said Henderson, noting the best way to reach her is to message her on Facebook through the sanctuary page or send a message via email to [email protected].
“We also have our golf tournament July 17, and are looking for golfers and hole sponsors,” she said.
The Plourdes have also established a “wish list” on Amazon and gift cards from Westfield Feed are also always appreciated.
“I know we can’t accept any more animals until we can figure out how to have more fundraisers and have an established crew of volunteers,” said Kerry Plourde.
Plourde added that since the farm opened up to visiting hours, area residents have offered to conduct a variety of events to help grow and save more animals.
“We were told we would need to hire a lawyer to appeal,” added Plourde.
The Plourdes did reach out to Mayor Donald Humason Jr. after the ruling but have not heard back from his office.
The Westfield News reached out to Humason on May 13 but did not receive a comment at press time.
