City Councilman Charlie Bahr is ready to put his money where his mouth is when it comes to the Erna R. Badstieber Paws and Claws Adoption Center in Columbus.
During the March 6th, 2023, City Council meeting, Bahr in a friendly manner Mayor Jim Bulkley, his fellow council members and City Administrator Tara Vasicek to take a whipped cream pie to the face during the shelter’s live fundraiser that is set to take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, March 23rd. Bahr vowed to donate $25 of his personal money to the shelter, 2124 13th St., for each pie each City leader takes.
“A pie in the face is an easy one, and tasty at that,” Bahr said, with a laugh, while discussing his challenge a day after the meeting. “The mayor and I went last year to this event, so I would love to get the others in there and see if we can help a little bit.”
The effort is being put on in conjunction with Jordan’s Way, a nonprofit organization founded in 2019 by Kris Rotonda in honor of his best friend, Jordan, a German Shepherd mix who spent her first 3.5 years being passed over in an animal shelter. Rotonda and his team each year embark on a national tour in all 50 states.
Jordan’s Way came to Columbus in 2021 and helped raise thousands of dollars. This year will once again bring plenty of games and challenges to help build excitement. The fundraiser will also be live-streamed on social media.
Paws and Claws Manager Cheri Vetick said she’s appreciative of Bahr’s ongoing efforts to help the shelter and his latest challenge, noting it helps in many ways.
“It’s amazing to me how many people still don’t know we’re here and what we’re about,” Vetick said. “He has been very supportive of what we do, so it will really mean a lot to us for him and for the community to come out.”
The funds raised will go to helping the shelter, which will come at a great time as Vetick said it has seen the number of dogs and cats brought to the facility “increase tremendously” over the last few years.
Bahr said he is a big fan of Paws and Claws because of the good work the organization does each day.
“The thing that impresses me is it’s a no-kill rescue facility,” Bahr said. “They don’t care if they have 50 cats or 100 cats. They’re not going to put down any cats or dogs. They’ll find them all a home somewhere.”