Painting, Pinot Noir and puppies at Griffin Pond Animal Shelter

SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. — Nearly 45 people (not puppies) were present for the wine and paint event at Griffin Pond Animal Shelter on March 2, held in the shelter’s impressive community room. Participants enjoyed an array of light snack options, along with their choice of locally produced wines.

Alba Gisselle “Gigi” Perez, of Art Life Studio in West Hazelton, was the artist who led the group in painting a whimsical sunflower set against a blue background. She did not have a reference painting for the participants to see because she feels that creates anxiety in the novice painter. Her goal is to make the painting portion of the wine and paint event as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.

Providing the wine aspect of the wine and paint night was Gregg Betti, co-owner of Capra Collina Winery in Blakely. He and his brother have been running the family business since 2011 and have provided their services for events like this one before. Their wine is the product of generations of authentic Italian winemaking.

Another special treat during the evening was a surprise visit from one of the shelter dogs, Ellie. Ellie is a 1-year old spunky puppy who was brought to the shelter in October 2018 and is currently in foster care until she can one day find her forever home. Ellie ran around greeting participants and eating yummy treats. It was difficult to tell who was more excited, the event participants or the puppy.

In addition to providing a fun evening for members of the community, the wine and paint event had a greater purpose than just a good time. Jacob Torba, fundraising coordinator for the shelter, said, “We want people in the community to be more involved in the shelter, so hopefully this event opens people’s eyes to volunteering in the future.”

All proceeds from the night benefit the shelter.

Jamie Stracham, of Montdale, and her mom Lydia Tokash, of Scott Township, were both excited to attend the event and expressed how they love being able to help the shelter.

Community members can also be aware of the upcoming vendor fair at the shelter, details to be announced, as well as their annual Paws in the Park event set for Aug. 25, 2019.

Gregg Betti, co-owner of Capria Collina Winery in Blakley, pours a cup of wine for an attendee of the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter wine and paint event,

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_GriffinPond_WineandPaint_03-02-19_JEDDY_IMG_4493.jpgGregg Betti, co-owner of Capria Collina Winery in Blakley, pours a cup of wine for an attendee of the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter wine and paint event,

Noel Jeffers, of Spring Brook Township, paints along with her friends.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_GriffinPond_WineandPaint_03-02-19_JEDDY_IMG_4527.jpgNoel Jeffers, of Spring Brook Township, paints along with her friends.

Lydia Tokash, of Scott Township, sips wine while waiting for her canvas to dry.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_GriffinPond_WineandPaint_03-02-19_JEDDY_IMG_4535.jpgLydia Tokash, of Scott Township, sips wine while waiting for her canvas to dry.

Alba Gisselle ‘Gigi’ Perez of Art Life Studio in West Hazelton prepares attendees for the next phase of their painting of a sunflower at the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter wine and paint event on March 2.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_GriffinPond_WineandPaint_03-02-19_JEDDY_IMG_4545.jpgAlba Gisselle ‘Gigi’ Perez of Art Life Studio in West Hazelton prepares attendees for the next phase of their painting of a sunflower at the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter wine and paint event on March 2.

Jamie Stracham, of Montdale, and her mom Lydia Tokash, of Scott Township, laugh together as they paint.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_GriffinPond_WineandPaint_03-02-19_JEDDY_IMG_4607.jpgJamie Stracham, of Montdale, and her mom Lydia Tokash, of Scott Township, laugh together as they paint.

Ellie the foster puppy visits the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter wine and paint event on March 2.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_GriffinPond_WineandPaint_03-02-19_JEDDY_IMG_4622.jpgEllie the foster puppy visits the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter wine and paint event on March 2.

Jacob Torba, fundraising coordinator for the shelter, is greeted by Ellie the foster puppy who visited the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter wine and paint event on March 2.

https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/web1_GriffinPond_WineandPaint_03-02-19_JEDDY_IMG_4503.jpgJacob Torba, fundraising coordinator for the shelter, is greeted by Ellie the foster puppy who visited the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter wine and paint event on March 2.