By Holly Martin
Life Improvement for Cats and Kittens (LICK), an all-volunteer feline rescue and sanctuary serving Atlantic County, hosted its annual Spring Meow Mixer on Saturday, April 5, at the Scullville Fire Company.
Peggy Thomson, owner and operator of LICK, said she was excited to see so many people show up.
“I was thrilled,” Thomson said. “We had the biggest attendance we ever got. We sold out.”
More than 100 cat-loving attendees had a “paws-a-tively unforgettable” time as they gathered for a night of delicious food, festive fun, exciting raffles and above all, to support a rescue that pours its heart into caring for local cats and kittens.
Entry to the event required donations of canned cat food – and the crowd delivered, contributing over 1,000 cans of cat food to help feed the many cats currently in LICK’s care, each patiently waiting for their fur-ever home.
The room was filled with joy as cheers and applause erupted during each raffle drawing. Happy winners left with smiles (and some awesome prizes), while the energy stayed high thanks to the tireless efforts of LICK’s dedicated volunteer team, who kept things running smoothly all night long.
Events like the Meow Mixer do more than just gather much-needed supplies and raise funds; they shine a light on the amazing community that rallies behind LICK’s mission.
Founded by Thomson in 1996, the sanctuary has been a safe haven for cats of all ages in Atlantic County. In addition to providing lifelong care for its feline residents, LICK also plays a vital role in the community through its capture, neuter and release program, helping to humanely manage the local cat population.
The rescue is always in need of donations, volunteers and helping hands, so if you’re looking to make a difference in the lives of our furry friends, there’s no better time to get involved.
“Our volunteers need to be over the age 18, and we always need volunteers,” said Thomson. “We need someone to help feed the cats, and we need volunteers for events to help with food and prizes, or help with the canned food donations.”
The LICK sanctuary has temperature-controlled shelters for over 60 cats and kittens that live out their lives to the fullest.
“We have ongoing projects for people who are handy that we need help with. Our fence needs repair every other week from other wildlife, nothing heavy duty, but we do need help to maintain what we have.”
If you missed out on the fun this time, don’t worry; LICK will be hosting another exciting event like this in the fall. Plans are already underway for a cozy, cat-themed evening filled with more raffles, treats and opportunities to support our furry friends. Keep an eye on LICK’s Facebook page for details and other fundraising events.
Looking for a fur-ever friend? You can contact Thomson through the LICK Facebook page, or visit Shore Veterinarians in Marmora to see adoptable friends.
Holly Martin has been working in media since 2012. She has worked as a photographer and videographer throughout her high school and college career. Holly is a producer for WOND radio as well as fill in DJ for 103.7 WMGM Rocks. She loves being a concert photographer and working as event staff. She has worked as a reporter for Temple University’s Philadelphia Neighborhoods and submitted Editorials to the Philadelphia Inquirer. She has done multiple multimedia articles for Temple as well as Shore Local Newsmagazine. Her portfolio website is hollyamartin.com
