At a time when there are many among us hurting from the impacts of the recent widespread flooding around Berrien County, we continue to hear great stories of people going above and beyond for those hurting the most. The American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the U.S. Coast Guard, dozens of first responders from all across the region have been working overtime to rescue, feed, clothe, and comfort those who have been displaced by floodwaters, power outages and other issues.
Meanwhile, Berrien County Animal Control teams have been working tirelessly to rescue and protect animals scared off by, left behind in, or otherwise impacted by the flooding in communities from Niles and Berrien Springs to waterfront areas in St. Joseph, Royal, and Sodus Townships and the communities of St. Joseph and beyond.
Several of my colleagues at Mid-West Family Broadcasting filled an entire SUV with food, towels, cleaning supplies and other goods to deliver to Animal Control on Friday. They were led by animal lover Kim Hochstetler and her sister Tracy Althouse, among others.
Another truly remarkable community effort to help out is being hosted by seven popular local restaurants who are hosting “Give Back Nights for Our Furry Friends,” beginning next week.
Stacy Camp from the Mark III Grille & Bar tells me she is teaming up with half a dozen other restaurants in the fundraiser for Berrien County Animal Control and she is working on the same type of events for the Red Cross.
Stacy’s place will be the first host of the Give Back dinners next Monday night, February 26th. A portion of the sales for each Give Back Night will be donated to help Animal Control provide food, blankets and safe warm shelter for the animals rescued in the floods.
Here’s the line up for the Give Back Night opportunities and they hope you can attend one or all of them to help out:
- Mark III Grille & Bar at 4179 M-139, St. Joseph on Monday, February 26th
- Grand Mere Inn at 5800 Red Arrow Highway, Stevensville on Wednesday, February 28th
- Full Circle Cafe & Espresso Bar at 5729 St. Joseph Avenue, Stevensville on Thursday, March 1st
- Coach’s Bar & Grill at 2528 W. Glenlord Road, Stevensville on Monday, March 5th
- Santaniello’s Ristorante at 2262 W. Glenlord Road, Stevensville on Thursday, March 8th
- The Buck Burgers & Brew at 412 State Street, St. Joseph on Thursday, March 15th
- Lakehouse Restaurant & Bar at 3029 Lakeshore Drive, St. Joseph on Tuesday, March 20th
Your help in caring for the stranded animals is deeply appreciated by these first-class restaurateurs and the team at Berrien County Animal Control.
The photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market is for illustrative purposes only. It is a file photo and is not an animal involved in the rescue work by Animal Control.
