The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Venus Jewelers in Rutgers Plaza, Easton Avenue, went to the dogs and cats – and a Guinea pig – May 17 as part of a three-store fundraiser to benefit Second Chance for Animals.
Second Chance is the organization that staffs and funds the Franklin Township Animal Shelter.
Venus, Ashley’s Hallmark and La Perle Spa & Salon partnered for the fundraiser, in which donations of food or other items to SCFA were rewarded with “goody bags” filled with jewelry and special treats from the stores, and discount coupons. Ashley’s also gave donors a Yankee Candle.
The stores will also donate a portion of their proceeds from the day to SCFA.
SCFA president Bob Pizzano said working with local merchants “gives us a sense of community, which is always nice.”
“They’re supporting us, we want to support them” he said. “We appreciate Venus, Hallmark and the salon for giving us the opportunity.”
Volunteers brought to the event three cats, a Guinea pig and two dogs – Beagle brothers Ruffian and Trigger – for possible adoption. Ruffian and Trigger greeted shoppers outside Venus, while the cats and Guinea pig were inside the store.
Venus Jewelers owner Peter Stavrianidis said he participated in the event for three reasons.
“First of all we love to do stuff for the community, we love pets” he said. “I think it creates traffic for the shopping center, from the business poiunt of view. And, it’s a good deed.”
Ashley Solomon of Ashley’s Hallmark said she couldn’t think “of a reason not to participate.”
“We love animals,” she said. “It’s a great cause, great people, beautiful dogs, beautiful cats and a lot of fun.”
