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Rescue Group Raises Money for<br />
Story and photos by KAREN FUCITO<br />
Homeless Pets<br />
Stanhope Mayor Patty Zdichocki and her partner, Maria Grizzetti, were guests of<br />
honor at a fundraiser benefiting homeless pets and pets of domestic violence<br />
survivors.<br />
Hosted by Only Kindness Rescue, a Passaic County nonprofit, no-kill organization,<br />
the event raised over $7,000.<br />
Also recognized at the fundraiser were staff from DASI, a Newton-based nonprofit<br />
that helps victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence and human trafficking.<br />
The organization also aims to provide a pet-friendly place for those escaping abuse.<br />
Held in April at the Lake Hopatcong Elks Lodge in Mount Arlington, the event drew<br />
just over 70 guests. Money was raised through a 50/50 raffle and a live auction that<br />
included the hawking of two boxes of the new Raspberry Rally Girl Scout cookie, which<br />
are unavailable to New Jersey residents. Each box sold for $100.<br />
Since adopting two cats from Only Kindness Rescue in 2019, Zdichocki and Grizzetti<br />
have supported the group through donations, food drives and referrals.<br />
Zdichocki, a three-time Volunteer of the Year for DASI, connected the two nonprofits.<br />
A portion of the money raised at the fundraiser will go to DASI, said Mary Linn Lombardo,<br />
founder and executive director of Only Kindness Rescue.<br />
“The money raised will be used to help provide options for victims of domestic<br />
violence to leave their abusers without having to give up their pets or leave them behind<br />
in danger,” she said.<br />
From top left, clockwise: Lynn and Roy Wilson. Patty Zdichocki and Maria Grizzetti. Ellen and<br />
John Thiessen, Rob and Cheryl Martins. Dana DiCrosta, Judy and Joan Walsh, Stephanie and<br />
Cynthia Spera. Kim Spangenberg, Athena Storm, Heather Scott, Dan Slavik. Cindy Weisz,<br />
Stacy Shapiro, Jodi Cirignano, Maryann Esposito. Michael and Dorothy DeLorenzo. Kim and<br />
Peter Jungfer. Sandy Suker and Rhonda Dray.<br />
30<br />
LAKE HOPATCONG NEWS <strong>Memorial</strong> <strong>Day</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
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