Hot Rod Party Benefits Animal Haven In North Haven

NORTH HAVEN, CT — (Contributed article): On Dec. 13, Larry Geraci of Northford once again hosted his annual garage Christmas party to benefit the North Haven Animal Haven. And as usual, the weather did not cooperate. But the cold rain and wind couldn’t keep 80 or so local hot-rodders from gathering in Larry’s garage and bringing their donations of food, blankets, treats and toys.

“I love all animals,” says Larry. It shows in his smile that this is the event he looks forward to the most every season. “I just open my doors and the greatest guys in the word make this the pawfect holiday party.”

Bags of dog food actually started appearing early this year. Car guys who could not attend or were out of state sent their donations by mail or dropped them off right at his front door.

On the night of the party, car talk and pizza flowed freely but all eyes were on the growing pile of donations. And when local business The Men’s Room Barbershop arrived with over 30 blankets and pet beds, it was obvious the dogs and cats at the Animal Haven would be warm and well fed this Christmas!

Larry delivered the donations in his vintage Ford pickup on Saturday, Dec. 21. As he helped unload, he said, “It means a lot to me that all these guys come out for a cause that really touches me.”

The Animal Haven operates as a no-kill shelter in North Haven and is supported by grants, memberships and donations of food and blankets from the community. They rely on help from sponsors like Geraci so they can comfortably house the cats and dogs until they find a new home.