Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza Returns to Peterborough Humane Society Saturday With a Mission to Help Local Animals
/By Scott Arnold
A pumpkin, a barbecue lunch and a chance to help animals find loving homes are all part of a Peterborough tradition that continues to grow.
Patrick McAuley is bringing back Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza for a fourth year, raising money for the Peterborough Humane Society. (photo by scott arnold)
Some fall traditions are about decorating the front porch. Others are about bringing people together for something that matters. For Patrick McAuley, Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza does both, with every dollar raised going directly to the Peterborough Humane Society.
The fourth annual event returns Saturday, October 17th, from 11am to 1pm at the Peterborough Humane Society at 1999 Technology Drive. Visitors can pick up a pumpkin by donation, enjoy a barbecue and support the animals waiting for their next chapter.
New this year, the event will feature hamburgers, hot dogs and sweet treats supplied by The Crumb Box, giving visitors another reason to stop by while helping raise money for the organization.
Last year’s Pumpkin Palooza raised close to $400 for the Humane Society. With just 50 pumpkins available this year, McAuley hopes to build on that success and sell them all, with proceeds from the pumpkins, food and treats supporting the animals in the shelter’s care.
Pumpkins are ready for Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza, with all proceeds going directly to the Peterborough Humane Society. (photo courtesy of Patrick McAuley)
The event has grown since its early days, with last year marking a particularly successful outing. McAuley credits community support and the generosity of Leahy’s, which donates the pumpkins, with helping make it possible.
“Last year was a smash hit,” McAuley said. “So it keeps getting bigger and bigger, which is great.”
The idea comes from a place that is deeply personal to him. McAuley grew up in a pet-loving family and eventually inherited two cats who lived to the ages of 19 and 17.
“I see all these pets that need a loving home. And these guys do such a great job with it that it’s important for us to give back,” McAuley said.
That connection is at the heart of the event. While the pumpkins and barbecue bring people through the doors, the cause behind them is what makes the day meaningful.
5. Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza brings the community together to support the animals in the care of the Peterborough Humane Society. (photo courtesy of patrick mcauley)
The Peterborough Humane Society cares for animals of all ages, and McAuley hopes people will keep that in mind when considering adoption. Puppies and kittens may attract plenty of attention, but older animals deserve the same opportunity to find a loving home.
“There are older cats and dogs here as well that could use a nice home,” he said.
McAuley also sees an opportunity for people who might be hesitant to adopt another pet because of their age to consider giving a senior animal a comfortable home.
“Maybe they could provide a nice home for a senior pet as well,” he said.
Two feline residents at the Peterborough Humane Society enjoy some attention while helping shine a light on the animals the organization cares for. (photo by Scott arnold)
For anyone who has never visited the Humane Society, Saturday also offers an opportunity to see the animals and learn more about the work being done to care for them. Just be prepared: spending a little time with a friendly cat or dog can make leaving without a new family member a challenge.
For McAuley, however, the bigger picture extends well beyond one event or one organization.
“I love it here,” he said. “We know that there are people that need help, animals that need help, all sorts of different, charitable things we can do just to give back to such a great city.”
Dog: A friendly face at the Peterborough Humane Society, where Patrick’s Pumpkin Palooza will raise money to support the animals in its care. (photo by scott arnold)
