100 percent of the proceeds from the sold-out event went directly to the Summit Animal Rescue Association.
SUMMIT, NJ — A boy from Scotch Plains is using his upcoming Bar Mitzvah to help raise awareness for animal care in Summit.
Owen Frankel, 12, held his own “cat cafe” on Sunday afternoon at Temple Sholom in Scotch Plains as his Bar Mitzvah project ahead of his birthday in February. Guests were able to interact with kittens available for adoption while supporting the work of the Summit Animal Rescue Association (S.A.R.A.). Each $5 ticket included a time slot to play with the kittens, a beverage, and a baked good.
“Every donation, no matter how small, helps them continue their vital work,” Owen told potential donors leading up to Sunday. This, he knows first-hand, as he and his family have been able to rescue two cats from the same shelter.
All of the proceeds from each ticket, and any additional food items sold, were donated directly to S.A.R.A. to help them achieve their mission of rescuing and providing medical care to animals while they are rehabilitated and on their way to finding a new home.
“The kindness and concern that my boys have for the animals is something that really shined yesterday,” Owen’s mother Lisa said of he and his brother Ezra, who also helped with the fundraiser. “In the end, it came down to making sure the kittens were comfortable, happy, and not lonely. The goal is that at least one is adopted.”
As of Monday afternoon, four kittens were already on their way to new homes as a direct result of Sunday’s “cat cafe.”
Over the course of the afternoon, 20 kittens were greeted by nearly 100 people who helped raise $1,500 for S.A.R.A. In addition to monetary donations, there was an area that took in blankets and towels for the cats. Westfield’s Gong cha cafe was also on hand to sell bubble tea drinks, donating 50 percent of the proceeds to the cause.
“We are so proud of Owen,” says Julia Melton, Adoption Coordinator and Fundraising Chair for S.A.R.A. “This young man put this together all on his own. His idea. He had 72 spots to fill, and he accomplished that goal.”
“I hope everyone was able to gain a new love and appreciation for cats,” added Owen on what he wanted people to take with them from the event. While he says it’s too early for him to be able to know what he wants to be when he gets older, he hasn’t ruled out his love for animals, specifically the Clouded Leopard, as a driving force into a potential career path.
Taking care of his own two cats, playing sports, playing video games, and just being around his brother are more than enough for now though, he says, to make him smile.
If you were not able to attend, you can still help by visiting the project’s gofundme page to continue to support Owen’s mission and the Summit Animal Rescue Association.
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