Local Fundraiser Benefits Home Free Animal Rescue
Red Bank, N.J. — Home Free Animal Rescue held a second fundraiser at Pinot’s Palette on Sept. 17, raising $485 for the organization.
The event was coordinated by volunteer Joseph Castagliola. According to Castagliola, the paint and sip parties offered by Pinot’s Palette allow participants to enjoy beer or wine while painting on canvas.
“These events are great ways to spread the news about who we are and encourage people to donate,” Castagliola said.
Founded in 2010 by Jen McFadden, Home Free Animal Rescue is a nonprofit organization consisting of a network of animal adopters, fosters and volunteers. According to their website, the rescue’s goal is to remove as many barriers to pet adoption as possible.
After the death of her family’s pet, McFadden attempted to adopt a new dog and was surprised at the difficulties she faced. As a renter with a child under the age of 10 and unverifiable income, her application was often passed over by rescue organizations and shelters.
“I was denied by many local rescues,” McFadden said. “Rather than complain, I got to work rescuing.”
McFadden said the quick, simple and affordable adoption process makes Home Free Animal Rescue different from other rescues and shelters. The rescue requires a simple one-page application.
What began as McFadden’s single-person rescue mission has grown to include over 200 volunteers, including Angela Grassano. Grassano began her involvement with the organization as an adopter and now serves on the board of directors.
“I love this rescue and the team work is amazing,” she said.
McFadden points out another differentiating factor of the rescue is they target dogs that do not generally appeal to the public: plain brown dogs, mixed breeds labeled as aggressive, black dogs, senior dogs and sick dogs.
“Our philosophy is that we should be rescuing the dogs on death row that other rescues have bypassed so that we give these lives a second chance,” said Castagliola. He also said the rescue ensures the dogs are as affordable as possible, an approach that puts the organization at a financial disadvantage.
With the $250 adoption fee, Home Free Animal Rescue covers the basic veterinary care for each rescued animal, including spay/neuter costs, vaccines and microchips. McFadden said that any additional costs such as boarding, specialized veterinarian and dog food care are paid for with donations.
All of the fundraised money goes directly to the animals and none of the board members or volunteers are paid for their efforts, Castagliola said. The cost of caring for the dogs makes fundraisers such as the Pinot’s Palette event critical to the organization’s mission.
According to Castagliola, more than 800 dogs have been saved and adopted through Home Free Animal Rescue since its founding.
The Facebook page for Home Free Animal Rescue lists upcoming events, including an Oct. 24 adoption drive at the New Jersey Women’s Expo and a Nov. 5 fundraiser at Alex and Ani of Red Bank. The rescue is also collecting new or gently used shoes through Wooftrax.
“We are always seeking financial assistance to pay for heart worm disease treatments, boarding, training and other expenses not covered by our adoption fee,” McFadden said.
Those interested in learning more about pet adoption, fostering or volunteering can visit the Home Free Animal Rescue website.
