By Katie Moeller

All Creatures Great and Small plans to raise funds for animal care

All Creatures Great and Small Rescue is hosting a local fashion show to help raise funds for its non-profit organization on Nov. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Cedar House Restaurant in San Benito County.

Proceeds will go directly to taking care of rescued animals that are in foster care.

All Creatures Great and Small works to rescue and rehabilitate animals that would likely otherwise have been euthanized.

The mission of volunteers is "finding homes," said Vivian Kennedy, who helped found the local organization in 1999, in Hollister. Their work has allowed animals to live in foster homes with a family environment rather than at shelters, and eventually find loving homes.

One of the animals in ACGS Rescue care is Champ, a 3-and-a-half-year-old Irish Wolfhound cross. He was originally adopted out by the Hollister Shelter in 2007 to the Chamberlains Children's Center, but changes within the structure there made the staff unable to care for Champ, according to Kennedy. ACGS Rescue stepped in to find a home for Champ, who has been fostered at the Dog House Inn, in Gilroy since Feb. 2009. He is a big dog, good with children, but suggested for a family with children 8 or older. He has a lovely, sweet personality, according to Kennedy. Many other animals are available for adoption as well.

However, in today's economy, keeping such a rescue organization open can be "very tough," Kennedy said. "Without local businesses we could not function."

Since funding is often in short supply, ACGS Rescue is holding its second annual fashion show. The fashion show will showcase local attire for men, women and juniors from businesses such as Drapoel & Teezers, She's and Munzers in Hollister. Mrs. B's from San Juan Bautista will also be showing items in order to help promote the program.

"An Afternoon of Fashion" is expected to be a great event, Kennedy said, and she is hoping for a turnout of about 100 people, which she said "would send me over the moon."

Tickets are $30 and the cost includes the fashion show, a silent auction, raffle and three-course luncheon. All proceeds of the Fashion Show go to ACGS Rescue.

For more information on "An Afternoon of Fashion," to donate to ACGS Rescue or to find out more about the organization, contact Vivian Kennedy at 637-7559 or visit the Web site www.allcreaturesgs.org, where there is a preview of the silent auction items as well as pictures of some of the animals available for adoption.