December 23, 2013 at 12:54 p.m.
'It Matters to One' matters to all
Community shows up in a big way for animals in need
'It Matters to One' matters to all
Each person who entered received a hearty welcome as they joined in the festivities. It was obvious that many in the crowd knew each other, and those who didn't know one another were quickly introduced. Another thing became abundantly clear as well, everyone in attendance was an animal lover.
That includes Eric Anderson, owner of Rummys, who said participating in a benefit for such a good cause was an easy decision to make.
"Me and my girlfriend have a rescue dog and we love pets, too. On top of that, Stef is a good friend of mine. She's been telling me how she's going around the country saving these dogs and how costly it's getting, so we decided to put together a benefit for her and open up the place to help her out as best we can," he said.
And help her out it did, as the event brought in a huge crowd to support Schneider's efforts.
"It's amazing to see how generous people are, especially around the holidays. They've been pretty great to her, bringing her gifts and donations and things to raffle off. We've got a really top-notch community here," Anderson said.
For Schneider, who's been working to save the dogs from kill shelters since May, that support is unlike anything she could have imagined.
"It's fantastic. I'm so happy to see everyone out here. All of this support, I'm just amazed by it, I can't believe that this community is so supportive of everything I do. I'm touched, I'm just really touched," she said.
"I just started in May and it's just crazy how supportive and over-the-top everyone is trying to help. That's exactly what I need in order to save more dogs. 91 dogs is a lot of dogs to bring in six months and this outpouring of support is everything."
Schneider said the financial support will help her continue to save dogs.
"The support just really gives you a future to look forward to, to know that you'll be able to help even more. My goal was nine dogs in the beginning and we're already well passed that. It's really amazing. I couldn't have done it without everyone, but in the end it's not about me, it's about the dogs," she said.
Nothing could be more true according to her supporters.
"You know, man's best friend isn't just some old cliche. It's a fact. Seeing what she's doing for these dogs and being a person who's grown up surrounded by the love of dogs, how could you not come out and support her?" asked Grace Petersen. "Such a wonderful heart in that young girl. And the poor souls she's saving, bless her. I've got a rescue dog and my friends have rescue dogs and they are the sweetest and kindest creatures on the planet. Bless her for helping those dogs."
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
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