Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience
Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience
Empire Animal Rescue Society to Host Special Fundraiser April 14th
Photo / stuntdog.com
Spring is kicking into full gear and with it, many of its weather-friendly activities. Here’s a truly unique one for you: engaging with fur babies and supporting our local Empire Animal Rescue Society - at the same time! Plan to spend an afternoon at the Seneca Nation of Indians Allegany Community Center on Sunday, April 14th and enjoy the acclaimed Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience. (That’s right, stunt DOG.)
Taking stage at 2:00pm, this event promises to be a lot of fun for a spectacular cause. ellicottvilleNOW spoke with both Gary Quattrone of the Seneca Salamanca Chamber of Commerce and Courtney from E.A.R.S. about the upcoming fundraiser.
IN THE BEGINNING…
We were most intrigued about how the event came to be. “The Seneca Salamanca Chamber has always tried to make any event it holds benefit different charities and non-profit organizations through bringing awareness to their cause plus sharing a portion of the proceeds with that group,” said Gary. "Last January the Chamber held a comedy/magic show in which we were able to present a $9,000 check to the Salamanca Seneca Mothers and Drugs organization. These funds will be used to help establish them as a 501-C3 tax exempt group plus develop either a memory garden or a memorial wall.”
“In keeping with our mission to help organizations, we happened to see that the Perondi Stunt Dog Show was appearing in Warren, PA,” added Gary. “John Sheehan, Chamber Director, quickly contacted them since they were in the area, to ask if we could host them here in Salamanca. We already knew it was a perfect match with Empire Animal Rescue Society (E.A.R.S.) so we reached out to them and they quickly jumped onboard. At the same time, we were fortunate to have the Seneca Nation’s Allegany Community Center available to host the event. The arena style setting there is perfect!”
“It was definitely a collaborative effort,” Courtney agreed. “I had interest in the Stunt Dog Show in particular as it is family-friendly and also uses rescue dogs and that is really our jam over here with Empire Animal Rescue Society - anything that shows support of rescue animals, as this country is in a major crisis with animal sheltering. So John and Gary looked into it and reached out to Perondi's and really got the ball rolling.”
THE MAIN EVENT
You can expect high-energy stunts and acrobatics put on by the dogs and their trainers. “The show offers a variety of canine entertainment productions that feature both rescue and shelter dogs from all across the country,” Gary explained. “These talented dogs soar, jump, fly and spin for your enjoyment. The audience will love watching them perform. The production offers over 40+ jaw dropping tricks, big air stunts, comedy antics, dancing dogs, athletic Frisbee dog feats, high-jumping challenges and interactive crowd participation. The All-Star Stunt Dog Show is the most entertaining and highly requested animal act in the industry!”
The Perondi Stunt Dog Show has been featured on the Ellen Show, Oprah, Jimmy Fallon and Good Morning America, to name a few. Courtney said, “It’s really something to see in person. Fast paced, funny and exciting!”
If you get a little hungry between acts, the concession stand will be running, selling popcorn, candy and Gatorade… there might even be some hams and hots, too.
Will there be adoptable animals on-site? Courtney smiled, “Yes, we will have some adoptable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens. It honestly depends who we have available at that time. We definitely have the cutest animals around.” (We concur.)
“We also plan to have pictures/slideshow and other information displayed on the large screens in the arena of the animals that couldn’t come out for the day, in case one of them catches a prospective owner’s attention,” added Gary.
Admission to the April 14th event is just $12 for adults and $8 for children 13 years of age and under. A portion of the proceeds will go to assist E.A.R.S. with the selfless operation of caring and homing for animals who are homeless. In addition, E.A.R.S. has been fundraising to cover the cost of constructing a larger facility for their operations. (That’s totally worth it!
Tickets can be purchased through the Seneca Salamanca Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page or the Empire Animal Rescue Society’s Facebook page. If you need another way of purchasing, just reach out to the Seneca Salamanca Chamber and they will be happy to assist you.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL
I had to ask both Gary and Courtney how important they feel this event is to both E.A.R.S and the community. “We feel it is important to have fun things for kids and families to do - healthy activities that everyone can enjoy,” said Courtney. “It's something different and it is in support of our nonprofit that serves this community and the surrounding areas. This event is for people of all ages… and let's be honest, who doesn't like dogs?!”
Gary went on to add, “Any fundraising effort is essential to the E.A.R.S. operation. The Chamber has assisted them in the past and remains one of their biggest supporters. E.A.R.S. is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing abandoned, abused, neglected and endangered animals. This organization is composed of some of the most dedicated volunteers one could ask for. The scope of what this group does for this area as well as for homeless pets in other states goes beyond comprehension. Most people have no idea of the care and advocacy this group gives to one looking for their furever homes. With all that being said, any event to raise funds to allow E.A.R.S. to help the ones who can’t help themselves is extremely important.”
To close, Courtney wanted to say, “We are hoping for an amazing turnout. This is a one-of-a-kind show in our area. We are still looking for sponsors for this event. If anyone or any businesses are interested, please email us at empirerescue@gmail.com. Sponsors will be featured on our social media outlets as well as during the event on the big screens.”