ELLIJAY, Ga. – Lovers of animals often do whatever they can to support shelters and organizations that help their favorite four-legged-friends.

The owners of Whimz Boutique in Ellijay Georgia, Steve and Marie Cortes did just that when they presented Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) President Sharon Sahr and Treasurer Karen Johnson with a $564 check from their November 2018 charity fashion show.

Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter is an all-volunteer, 501 (C3), charity that strives to make Gilmer County Georgia a better home for both people and pets by sponsoring subsidized spay/neuter certificates for the public, vetting Gilmer County Animal Shelter homeless pets, and other community projects.

Their event is part of the community financial support that makes up approximately 75 % of Friends Of Gilmer Animal Shelter’s annual revenue.

This and all other donations to FOGAS are used to provide subsidized $25 spay/neuter certificates to Gilmer County residents, pay veterinarian costs for selected Gilmer County Animal Shelter pets that are being transported to waiting adopters or rescues, and to support other Gilmer County pet-related projects.

The Fashion Charity event saw over 100 people attending to view pieces designed and donated by Whimz Boutique and Julian’s Boutique. With the success of the fashion show, FOGAS has stated they are intending to use the proceeds for their 2019 budget. Specifically, they said, “In 2019 FOGAS will be focusing on new ways to assist the Gilmer County Animal Shelter with reducing pet overpopulation. We will also be looking into offering Gilmer County children information on caring for their pets.”

With this set as the first annual show, support is set to continue for the Animal Shelter through its support organization, FOGAS. But, ultimately, its citizens putting on events like this and donating that helps the efforts of the local animal shelter and the county’s efforts to house and adopt pets in need of “forever homes.”