Smokin’ Aces, Keel Farms team up for Pet Supply Drive
Robby Jordan of Smokin’ Aces BBQ & Steakhouse, located at 2509 N. Park Road, has teamed up with the folks at Keel Farms, located at 5202 Thonotosassa Road, to host a Pet Supply Drive, dubbed “Stuff the Smoker Trailer for Our Furry Friends”, benefiting the Humane Society of Tampa Bay as it deals with an inundation of animals post-Hurricane Ian.
“Our goal is to stuff our concession trailer full of goodies to drop off,” said Jordan.
The Humane Society’s wishlist, posted on their website, www.humanesocietytampa.org, includes items such as Dawn dish soap, cat litter, canned pate cat food, puppy pads, dog biscuits, dry and canned puppy/dog and cat/kitten food, laundry pods and towels.
Collection bins are set up at both businesses. Donors can drop off items between now and November 13.
“This town is full of animal lovers so I hope we can get good traction on this,” said Jordan.
Ladies of the Elks hosts fundraiser for local scholarship funds
Laughter may be the best medicine but it’s also a great way to raise money for the Martin P. Carroll Scholarship Fund that awards three students a $2,000 scholarship annually.
Comedians Luke Trotta and Chris Gorges graced the stage (a.k.a. The Chuckle Hut) at the Plant City Elk’s Lodge, located at 1501 North Alexander Street, where their zingers caused 89 guests to fill the lodge with howls of laughter. Hosted by the Ladies of Elks (LOE), the annual event also included family-style appetizers at every table, a door prize, a cash bar, a 15-item silent auction and ticketed drawings for jewelry, toys, clothing, gift cards and more.
“We raised $3,400 and that’s after expenses,” said LOE president Bette Guarino. The scholarships will be awarded in May to one student each from Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest High Schools.
Attendee Virginia Brobst Tharrinton was grateful to all who made the event possible. “We always have a great time,” said Tharrington. “The Ladies of the Elks put on a first-class event.”