Fur Keeps Shelter to hold benefit concert

In 1999, holistic veterinarian Debra Rykoff created an organization, the Fur Keeps Animal Rescue, after noticing a lack of placement for animals rescued from kill shelters or dire situations.

Rykoff and volunteers care for the animals at a Barrington Hills clinic, rehabilitating through various forms of medicine, until they are fit and ready to be placed into loving homes.

As the organization prepares to celebrate its 11th anniversary, three musical groups offered to host a benefit concert and silent auction for Fur Keeps.

Come Saturday, May 22, "Music for the Animals" will showcase a variety of musical talent, offer great products for attendees to bid on, and provide information about the daily operations of the organization and the different ways to contribute.

Linda Anderson, coordinator for the organization, said she hopes the concert and auction will serve as the cornerstone for future organization fundraising attempts.

"We are very much trying to have standard fundraisers because it is a very small rescue," she said.

"This fundraiser is unique in that it will also provide attendees more exposure to other kinds of music and a greater understanding of our organization," Anderson added.

The American Legion in Elgin donated its space to the benefit concert, and Anderson said tickets are still available, urging individuals to purchase before the day of the event.

"You save money and it helps us fortify the number of people we are expecting so we can adequately serve them come May 22," she said.

In addition to the music, the organization's first newsletter will also be available, as well as information about new programs and ways of contributing to the organization.

Refreshments and a cash bar will also be at the event.

Tickets, if purchased in advance, are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Prices at the door increase to $25 for adults and $12 for children.

Anderson said tickets can be purchased by phone and in person.

For information, visit furkeepsanimalrescue.org or call (630) 837-3915.

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>

<p class="News"><b>What:</b> "Music for the Animals," a concert and silent auction fundraiser for Barrington Hills-based Fur Keeps Animal Rescue</p>

<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7 p.m. Saturday, March 22</p>

<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> American Legion Hall, 820 N. Liberty St., Elgin</p>

<p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> If purchased in advance, $20 for adults, $10 for children; at the door, $25 for adults, $12 for children</p>

<p class="News"><b>Details:</b> <a href="http://furkeepsanimal@yahoo.com" target="new">furkeepsanimal@yahoo.com</a>; (630) 837-3915</p>