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The Bainbridge Decatur Humane Society has seen an increase in support lately, with Bryan Hight Veterinary Hospital recently holding a food drive in support of them. Just last Saturday, the Dam Bar and Billiards held a benefit fundraiser for the Society as well, “Bets 4 Pets.” Donors were given a set of poker chips for the evening, and at the end of the night, each person’s remaining chips were counted. First place won a dinner for two at Sio’s, second place was awarded a bar tab, and third place was awarded a prize bucket with merchandise.

According to the Dam’s co-owner, Sharissa Mervis, planning for the event began a month ago, with attendees being less than expected.

“Honestly we didn’t have quite as many as I thought that we were going to,” she said; she estimated between 50 and 75 attended that evening. In regards to how much was raised, she said, “One lady had an $80 receipt for her donations, and a couple more bags of dog food, stuff like that.” Over $1,100 were also raised in cash donations.

This hasn’t been the Dam’s first fundraiser, having previously raised money for open-heart surgery for an employee’s child, and for Alzheimer’s with their White Trash Bash. Nor will it be their last, as they intend to host a fundraiser for first responders on September 11, with Mainstream Band scheduled to perform. “I want Bainbridge to know how much we appreciate the support, and how much we like that their values align with ours, that there were causes to support that we believe in as well,” Mervis said.