PAWPAC fundraiser aids puppies in crisis

An organization that calls itself PAWPAC (Protecting Animal Welfare Political Action Committee) is taking what it believes is a unique approach to helping innocent dogs that cannot help themselves — especially those languishing in puppy mills that are, in many cases, doomed to exist under inhumane conditions for the sole purpose of reproduction.

PAWPAC, chaired by Colts Neck resident Kathleen Schatzmann, works to elect animal-friendly candidates to the New Jersey Legislature and to pass animal protection laws at the state level.

Unlike other animal protection organizations, PAWPAC strives to level the political playing field for animals by raising funds to provide campaign contributions to animal-friendly politicians.

According to its Internet website, PAWPAC is a continuing political committee registered with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. Before PAWPAC was formed, animal protection organizations were at a disadvantage in New Jersey’s legislative process. Because they are tax-exempt, animal protection organizations cannot engage in perhaps the most important political activity — giving campaign contributions, according to the information provided.

In order to help achieve PAWPAC’s objective, Schatzmann, together with PAWPAC co-founder and treasurer Kevin Moore of Kearny, have organized a fundraiser with the help of many dedicated PAWPAC supporters.

The “Art, Animals, Action PAWPAC Puppy Mill Campaign” will take place from 5-8 p.m. April 18 at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, 1200 Ocean Ave., on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park.

The fundraiser will include dinner, musical entertainment and a silent auction in addition to an exhibit and sale of artwork by local and national artists. A cash bar will also be available. Proceeds will benefit PAWPAC. Admission is $35 and tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door. For details and donations visit www.njpawpac. org. For advance ticket sales, email Kevin@njpawpac.org by April 11.

Moore is the chief of staff to state Assemblyman Gordon M. Johnson (D-Bergen County).

Moore said his efforts in trying (and nearly succeeding) to help pass veal calf anti-cruelty legislation left him resolved to build an animal welfare organization capable of competing with animal industries in the political arena.

Moore is the companion to four animals, two dogs he rescued personally and two cats he adopted from a rescue group.

Schatzmann is the humane educator for the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Eatontown. She successfully expanded the department to include a new curriculum for pupils in grades K-8, which adheres to the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards, and presents to higher level learning such as high schools, colleges, and adult seminars.

She has been a lifelong advocate for animals and an active member of many animal welfare organizations, locally and nationally recognized.

Schatzmann and her family share their home with their four rescued dogs.

Entertainment at the April 18 event will be provided by a jazz trio consisting of musicians who are all instructors at Music University, Freehold. Elizabeth Kelsay of Princeton will provide the vocals, accompanied by Adam Glenn of Jackson on piano, and Diedre Verdolino of Barnegat on drums.

Glenn is a member of two other bands, Steel Mill Retro and Yellow No. 5.

Among the expanding list of local artists taking part in the fundraiser (including many from Colts Neck) are Mary Clark Ladd of East Windsor, who works in a variety of media and subject matters, and Cyndi Schatzmann of Laguna Beach Calif., a native of New York City whose abstract paintings are featured on www.acompanyofartists. com, the Laguna Craft Guild Gallery and Art 4 A Cure.