By Amanda Hatfield
Staff writer
MERRITT ISLAND -- Treat yourself -- and your pooch -- to an afternoon full of music and relaxation.
Hayes Meats & Gourmet Food and the Central Brevard Humane Society will host the fifth annual Whiskers, Wags and Wine event on Saturday, March 16, from noon-4 p.m.
"The Central Brevard Humane Society has been partnered up with Hayes since the first event," said Eileen Cole, media relations manager for the nonprofit.
"God gave me a big heart for animals and I wanted to support CBHS, especially since it is a no kill facility," said Connie Gurgan of Hayes Meats and Gourmet Foods. "I thought music, wine and animals would be a fabulous blend."
Through Mrs. Gurgan's hard work and love for animals, Whiskers, Wags and Wine was born.
Whiskers, Wags, and Wine is a free event that includes wine tasting, free beer, barbecue, a raffle and door prizes.
Live music will be provided by London Ink.
"London Ink is a fantastic husband-and-wife duo, who play a lot of reggae," Mrs. Gurgan added. "They are a spin-off of the local band Souler Eclipse."
Restaurateur and owner of Yellow Dog Café, Stuart Borton, will also host a book signing at the event for his new book "Old Dog New Chef."
"It's a family-centered cookbook aimed at having families come together in the kitchen to create great meals," Mrs. Gurgan said.
In addition to the excellent entertainment line-up, the Central Brevard Humane Society will also be at the event with shelter dogs available for adoption.
"We will also be providing the public with merchandise and fun educational information about responsible pet ownership," Mrs. Cole said.
Like the four previous years, 100 percent of the proceeds from Whiskers, Wags and Wine will help raise awareness and provide financial support to the many unwanted and abandoned pets of the Humane Society who are in need of a forever home.
"We give away great door prizes every half hour and have awesome raffle prizes including a massage, bi-plane rides, and a gourmet meat package," Mrs. Gurgan said.
"Most importantly, people can bring their furry kids to this event," Mrs Gurgan added. "And there are lots of adorable animals for adoption."
The fifth annual Whiskers, Wags and Wine event is Saturday, March 16 from noon -- 4 p.m.
Hayes Meats & Gourmet Foods is located at 285 Fortenberry Road, Merritt Island.
For more information, contact Connie with Hayes Meats at (321) 453-3550 or connie@hayesmeats.com or visit www.crittersavers.com.