Tournament to benefit Animal House Project

Local golfers have an opportunity to play at an exclusive golf course and help a worthy cause by participating in the sixth annual charity golf tournament to benefit Animal House Project (AHP), a nonprofit organization that provides food and veterinary assistance to those in need so that pets are able to stay with the families who love them. The tournament will be held on Monday, July 22, at the Brookside Country Club, 850 N. Adams St., Pottstown.

The charity golf outing will open with registration and a continental breakfast at 8 a.m. Tee-off with a shotgun start will begin at 9 a.m.

The registration fee includes range balls, green fees, the use of a cart, a swag bag, a continental breakfast, lunch in the ballroom and free beer on the course. There will also be prizes for the best golfers in various categories as well as a $25,000 cash prize for a hole-in-one.

MaryBeth Yannessa, AHP board president, noted last year's event drew 125 golfers who enjoyed playing the private club, which is typically only open to members and their guests.

For more information and to register for the golf tournament, visit http://www.AHPCharityGolfTournament.org. The reservation deadline is Wednesday, July 17. Sponsorships are also available.

Animal House Project began in June of 2001 as the 2 Moon Junction Animal House Project, a no-kill animal rescue group in East Fallowfield Township. After realizing that most of the animals were being surrendered because families could not afford to feed or provide basic veterinary care for them, the Chester County Pet Food Pantry was formed in 2004 and later became known as Animal House Project.

Most recently, AHP has announced that Diane's Pet Supplies & Adoption Center, which has had a presence in Chester County since 1989, is now operating under the umbrella of Animal House Project.

"The addition will bring additional services to Animal House Project to include a pet vaccination clinic, low-cost spay and neuter services and access to pet food manufacturers," Yannessa stated. "By joining forces, we can expand our reach and effectiveness in serving animals and families in need."

One of AHP's main programs is the pantry, which provides donated pet food, including dry and canned dog and cat food, as well as food for birds, fish, reptiles and other small animals. When available, pantry clients are also provided with treats, toys, cat litter, bedding, grooming supplies and flea and tick treatment for their animals. Spaying, neutering and low-cost vaccinations are offered to pantry clients as part of AHP's veterinary assistance program.

Pet food distributions take place on the first Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the pantry, 72 Robinson St., Pottstown, located off Route 100 near Motel 6.

"Diane's has a vaccination clinic on the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.," Yannessa added. For more details and to schedule an appointment, visit http://www.ddpets.com.

Yannessa also announced that pantry spokespuppy Yoshi, who has served in the role for 11 years, recently passed on the title to Watson, who was rescued by the SafeHaven Animal Rescue Team in Texas, which is another program that falls under the AHP umbrella. "As the spokespuppy for Animal House Project, Yoshi has met thousands of people spreading the message of, 'Help us help pets.' He passed the torch to a new generation in May," she said.

AHP is always in need of financial donations, pet food donations and volunteers willing to work at events and on distribution days. For more information, visit http://www.animalhouseproject.org or http://www.facebook.com/AnimalHouseProject1, call 484-949-8329 or email info@animalhouseproject.org.