Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop is partnering with Survivors Best Friend (SBF), a non-profit organization that unites survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse with rescue animals from local shelters.
 
The organization was founded last July by Sophie Capshaw-Mack, a University of North Carolina graduate who believes the impact that shelter animals and survivors have on one another can transform past traumas into future hope.

As part of its mission, SBF pays for all adoption expenses for a shelter dog or cat of a survivor’s choosing, as well as any necessary vaccinations, veterinary exams and spaying/neutering procedures.

SBF also funds the medical costs associated with getting adopted pets designated as Emotional Support Animals. Medical providers must write a letter verifying that pet owners suffer from a psychological disorder for which adopted pets provide relief.

Spoonfed Kitchen owners Kim and Matt Lennert were originally approached by Emelen Clemmons, director of development for SBF, to see if they would be willing to contribute a raffle item for an event. Kim Lennert said she felt she could do more than just that.

“We have always been involved with rescue dogs,” Kim Lennert said. “And unfortunately we all know people who have been affected by this type of abuse. I saw that the women from SBF had a real passion for their work, and I immediately felt that I wanted to get behind that.”

Spoonfed Kitchen will host a Carnival of Healing tonight, Wednesday, July 31, featuring full barbecue fare, salads and sweets and cocktails. There will be backyard games and raffles, as well as a DJ spinning lively tunes. One hundred percent of the ticket costs will benefit Survivors Best Friend. Tickets are available for $20 online and at the door.

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