Coalition for Animals of Greater New Bedford Lasagna Dinner to help animals in peril, Oct. 25

When disaster strikes, The Coalition for Animals of Greater New Bedford steps in.

With countless animals stranded and struggling to survive in the wake of Hurricane Florence last month, Coalition Treasurer and co-founder Manny Maciel and his team traveled to North Carolina to help provide aid.

He traveled by boat to rescue a range of animals, from a horse whose owner refused to leave him as flood waters surrounded them both, to a pair of Australian shepherds who had found shelter in a golf cart before Manny reunited them with their grateful family.

“It was exhausting but rewarding to reunite people with their animals,’’ he said.

You can help save animals caught in future disasters by attending the Coalition’s 11th Annual Lasagna Dinner from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 at Senhor de Padra Club, 81 Tinkham St. The funds raised from the dinner will go to the Coalition’s “Disaster Preparedness Fund” to help animals in the face of natural disasters, like Hurricane Florence. The Coalition is a 501©3 non-profit organization, 100% of the proceeds will benefit animals.

The dinner will feature meat and vegetarian lasagna from Ma Raffa’s, bread, salad, coffee, dessert, cash bar and entertainment provided by musician and local animal rescuer, Sarah Donner.

There will also be auctions and raffles.

Advance tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors (55 and older) and children (12 and under). Tickets are $15 for everyone at the door.

To buy tickets, visit brownpapertickets.com/events/3623912. Tickets are also available in person at Mellisa’s Pet Depot’s two locations, at 83 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth and 8 Sarah’s Way (CVS Plaza), Route 6, Fairhaven.

In one of the most memorable rescues during Hurricane Florence, Manny’s team saved two pigs. The owner had released them from their pen and led them to higher ground but the water was still rushing in, putting them in danger. The team was able to rescue the pigs from the water, place them into a truck and bring them to local fairgrounds and to safety.

“This is hard work but our adrenaline keeps us going,’’ Manny said. “We appreciate everyone’s support so we can keep doing these rescues and saving as many animals as we can.’’