Fundraising season is beginning for the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League. The 501(c)(3) charity conducts fundraisers to support their mission of helping homeless animals in the Lincoln County area. BARL receives no government funding, so is dependent on donations and whatever monies the group can raise.

“BARL takes in over 1,400 animals each year,” said BARL president Rusty Adcock. “We provide whatever vet care is needed for each animal, such as vaccinations, deworming and spay/neuter. Some animals have skin conditions that require dips and meds to get cleared up. Also, if a dog is heartworm positive, that’s an added expense.”

The season kicks off Tuesday, Aug. 16, with Barks & Brews at Magnolia Blues BBQ. Proceeds from meals that night will benefit BARL, as well as sales of the 2022 Barks & Brews original T-shirt. At 7:30 p.m., BARL will draw the winner of a Gulf Breeze Vacation. Tickets for the vacation raffle are available online at barl.net/events, at the BARL Adoption Center at 501 North Park Drive, or from any BARL board member.

The third annual BARL Barks & Bids Online Auction will be the week of Sept. 18-25. The event always offers a wide variety of items. More information will be made public as the date approaches.

The third event is the Canines, Cats and Corks fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Brookhaven Building. The wine tasting event will have a variety of wines and spirits, as well as door prizes, appetizers, live music and a petite silent auction. Brookway Wine and Spirits sponsors the event with proceeds going to BARL.

BARL volunteers are currently contacting businesses and individuals about sponsoring events and donating auction items. Anyone interesting in being part of an event should call BARL at 601-757-4367 or volunteer Julie Montalvo at 601-757-1057.

“We strive to be good stewards of our money, with 93 percent of our funds going toward program expenses,” Adcock said. “The Better Business Bureau recommends charitable organizations spend at least 65 percent of its expenses on program activities, so BARL far exceeds their recommendation.”

BARL’s mission is to humanely care for shelter animals while contributing to community activities that reduce pet overpopulation, encourage responsible pet ownership, protect public health and safety, and promote the human-animal bond.

The volunteer organization serves Lincoln, Copiah and Franklin counties, providing food, shelter and veterinary services until the animals are adopted. All are vaccinated and spayed or neutered. Dogs are also micro-chipped.

For more information on adopting, contributing or volunteering, call 601-757-4367 or email info@barl.net. Donations are tax deductible and may be mailed to BARL, P. O. Box 3477, Brookhaven, MS 39603. Many of BARL’s adoptable animals can be seen online at www.barl.net or on the shelter’s Facebook page.