The Camano Animal Shelter Alliance celebrated its 25th anniversary on Friday, October 27.
Dozens of community members – many past and present volunteers of the organization – gathered at the Camano Center to support the shelter and its goals.
“Twenty-five years is a long time for such a small shelter,” said Cassie Morey, CASA’s executive director.
Morey has been with the organization for a year and said she’s learned a lot in a short amount of time.
“I find myself saying the same thing in this last short year: CASA is small but mighty,” she said. “We are bigger than our walls.”
Over the years, CASA has helped thousands of animals by providing shelter, veterinary services and microchipping.
“We show up not only for the animals, but for the people who have to say goodbye to their family member who can no longer care for them,” Morey said. “Or for the person who has lost their stable housing and they don’t want their dog sleeping in their car. They come to CASA and we help them.”
Funding for CASA comes primarily from fundraising efforts. In 2008, Friends of CASA was formed to help the shelter raise the revenue needed to care for the animals.
“We really appreciate every dollar we get,” Morey said. “We have a contract with Island County, but the majority of our funding comes from Friends of CASA fundraisers.”
Martha Huyler, president of the Friends of CASA board of directors, was honored at the 25th anniversary breakfast.
Huyler developed and coordinated several fundraisers for the organization over the years, such as the annual dog wash and the Lights of Love fundraiser.
“She has been a key player in the development of Friends of CASA,” said Rozalynn Muscolo, shelter director. “Many have seen her working hard behind the scenes at events.”
Muscolo and Morey also honored several long-time volunteers, thanking them for their years of service and dedication.
“We couldn’t do what we do today without the community,” Morey said.
