Dog Shelter Advocate Seeking Vendors for Next Event

Riverhead Move the Animal Shelter, a nonprofit started by local resident Denise Lucas, is heading west for its next fundraiser and is seeking vendors as it continues to push forward to build up a new dog shelter in Calverton.

Lucas is hosting the "Tail Waggin' Music Fest" in Patchogue on Sunday, July 28 at Kappler's Pub from 1 to 5 p.m.

Lucas said local resident Joe Manarino Sr. recently purchased the pub and offered it as a space for the fundraiser, and her next event will feature four live bands, including Big Daddy & The Bulldogs, The Locals, MeanTown and Boot Scoot Boogie.

"We're going to head up west to see how was can do," she said.

Admission is free, and ten-foot by ten-foot vendor spaces are $25. Several raffle items will also be up for grabs including outdoor patio furniture and a bicycle.

Lucas started a two-year campaign in 2011 to open a new animal shelter, and since she started, has expanded her efforts to open a dog park in Calverton, and is close to opening another at Stotzky Park. The town has agreed to retrofit Calverton's Henry Pfeifer Community Center as the next town shelter, a project she's hoping will be done by November or December.

Riverhead Patch readers voted Lucas as the 2012 Person of the Year for her efforts so far.

To reserve a space, visit RMTAS.org, visit their Facebook page, or contact Lucas directly at 516-768-7467. Reservations must be made by July 18.