Feb. 15, 2006 Knights organize fundraiser for Friends for Life ------------------------------------------------ No-kill shelter helps cats, dogs find good homes By FLORI MEEKS Chronicle Correspondent A charity game with Elkins softball and baseball players became a major high school event recently after student groups, parents and faculty jumped on board to benefit an animal rescue organization. All of the concession proceeds collected during Elkin's Knight of Champions Jan. 27 benefited Friends For Life, a no-kill rescue program that takes animals rejected by other rescue groups. Friends For Life has taken in animals considered too young, too old and too sick for other shelters. It also accepts breeds that tend to be turned away, including pit bulls. "We want to re-define what kinds of animals are acceptable," said Pat Larson, secretary/treasurer. The Houston-based organization is raising money to construct a shelter and pet sanctuary. Knight of Champions was organized to support these efforts. In addition to the game between the blended teams of Lady Knights softball and Elkins baseball, the evening featured baseball games between the softball and baseball parents along with faculty vs. students. The event raised more than $1,000 for Friends For Life. Senior Erin Tresselt of the Lady Knights stoked up the competition further when she challenged the baseball team members to hit one of her pitches. Knight of Champions also featured performances by Elkins' cheerleaders, dance team, jazz choir and drumline. The inspiration for Knight of Champions came from Lady Knights coaches James McClanahan and Amy Mattes. "They originally wanted a community service project for the kids," said Larson, who also serves as Elkins' registrar. "They do fundraisers for their own organizations. This was something where they gave back." The coaches spoke to Larson about Friends For Life and agreed to make the organization their event's focus. Other student organizations then expressed interest. Tresselt, 17, said she likes the idea of Knight of Champions. "We thought it would be fun at first to do an event with softball and baseball because it would promote camaraderie," she said. "Then our coaches suggested we do something to help our registrar's program, and she came to visit us. "We liked the fact that they don't put animals to sleep," Tresselt said. "They want to build a shelter where animals can go and live out their lives." The program has been well-received by the baseball team, too. Team member Mike Caggiano, 17, said everyone came out to do what needs to be done, drawn by what sounded like a fun event. "I like the idea of getting together with everyone and playing for a good cause," Caggiano said. Tresselt said she could see Knight of Champions becoming an annual tradition. Larson said she thinks the event has potential. "For us (Friends For Life), it's not just the stuff we're going to get, it's important for what we do to get out in the world." Friends For Life, a nonprofit, no-kill animal organization, was established in 2001. In addition to taking in homeless animals, it operates an animal food pantry for pet owners in financial difficulty. Since it started hosting adoptions at the Shepherd Drive Petsmart about two years ago, Friends For Life has placed nearly 350 animals in homes. The organization usually houses 30-40 animals. It keeps about 20 cats at Petsmart, where volunteers come in regularly for pet care and playtime. The remainder of the animals live in foster homes. Program volunteers envision a day when they house their animals in a permanent shelter. "The idea is to provide a place homeless animals can be placed, treated and receive lifetime sanctuary if they can't be adopted," Larson said. It's accepting donations toward that cause. The rescue program also welcomes in-kind donations to help with its day-to-day operations. It discourages pet food donations, but can use gift cards for copying services and pet supply businesses, old towels, laundry supplies, leashes and collars, hand sanitizer, office supplies, hydrogen peroxide, dishwasher soap, Neosporin, canned tuna and jars of baby food (meat). The agency also needs a digital camera. Brought to you by the HoustonChronicle.com