LITTLE FALLS, N.Y. -- A good old-fashioned hoedown was held at the Silverado Inn in Herkimer, Sunday. All to help out the Helping Animals Live Organization. Among many things they do, HALO provides a two-story home for rescued cats in Little Falls.
"The first year we played the Elk Lodge in Little Falls. We made about $1,300, and over the years it's grown, and grown, and grown. We actually have some of the biggest, best bands in Central NY that play for us every year," said Sandy Silverstein, "HALO Hoedown" Co-Coordinator.
This year, the Hoedown featured six-acts. Including 2014 and 2015 Country-Showdown Winner Matthew Sean, and the Syracuse-Utica band, "Grit 'n' Grace."
"When you think about an animal or something that needs some help, they really don't have a voice unless we give them one. And so I think, it speaks to the compassion in our, you know, as human beings. What a wonderful thing there is then that we can experience this compassion together," said "Grit 'n' Grace" singer Jackie Pop.
HALO is dedicated to a no-kill, cage-free philosophy, rescuing hundreds of animals over the years. Some are placed in foster-care, while others live in a location HALO owns and maintains in Little Falls. Members of HALO say about 100 cats occupy the two-story house, having pretty much free reign of the whole place. The cats live completely alone, with a HALO member stopping in throughout each day to check-in and help out with whatever is needed.
"We're always in need of volunteers. That's our biggest thing. Volunteers and fosters. We need as many volunteers to help, even if it's an hour a week. We welcome it, we're happy to have the help," said Silverstein.
In the meantime, events like the "HALO Hoedown" will help continue to raise awareness and funds for HALO's mission.
A purr-fect way to help out our furry friends in need.
For more information on the Helping Animals Live Organization, or on how to adopt one of their cats, visit their website.