Teen animal lover rolls out a new fundraiser for her favorite charity

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – Plenty of kids like animals, but few take their adoration to the same level as Francesca Lanfranchi.

Over the years, the 15-year-old Egg Harbor Township resident has raised more than $30,000 to benefit local dogs and cats, and this Friday, she will hold the latest fundraiser for her furry friends at Bonefish Grill in Egg Harbor Township.

"The fundraiser is for a local, non-profit, no-kill animal rescue called Beacon Animal Rescue," Lanfranchi explained.

"I've always had a passion for animals," she continued. "I've been volunteering at Beacon since I was 8 years old."

Thanks to Lanfranchi's efforts, from noon to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, local animal lovers who eat at Bonefish Grill will be supporting the shelter, based in Ocean View.

The cost to participate is $20 for adults and $10 for children, which includes a salad and entrée. Proceeds go directly to Beacon.

After a young Lanfranchi began volunteering at Beacon years ago, she became aware of the organization's need for money and wanted to do more to help. Her desire to make a difference spurred a string of fundraisers that together have raised over $30,000.

"Once I started volunteering at Beacon, I decided to take things a step further and hold a fundraiser for them called 'Strut for Mutts,'" the Holy Spirit High School sophomore said. "People would bring their dog to the park, and they would 'strut their stuff,' as they say, and we'd have judges who would pick the top dogs."

Lanfranchi has held the annual Strut for Mutts fundraiser for the past five years, but this year she decided to try something different. Rather than hold her event outside, where bad weather could put a damper on the day, Lanfranchi decided to host a "Dog Day Afternoon" luncheon at Bonefish Grill on Fire Road.

"One year it rained, and only about 40 dogs and 100 people came out," Lanfranchi said of the strut. "Compare that to last year, when we had beautiful weather and we had around 100 dogs and 200 to 300 people."

Considering the impact gloomy weather could have on the event, along with her increased high school workload and sports commitments ("I was on the varsity softball team as a freshman last year," Lanfranchi said), she decided to play it safe with an indoor event.

"With the fundraiser inside, it's better to not have to worry about the weather," she said. "Bonefish Grill is opening up just for me."

Even with Strut for Mutts on hiatus, local dogs will still have a chance to show off on Friday at "Dog Day Afternoon." While no pets are allowed at the fundraiser, a free entry into a pet photo contest is included with every adult admission.

"You can bring a picture of your pet, and the workers at Bonefish are going to judge and pick their favorite," Lanfranchi said. "The winning pet owners will be awarded prizes."

There will also be a Chinese auction, silent auction, and 50/50 cash raffle at the luncheon, all to raise additional money for Beacon.

Even though she is changing things up, Lanfranchi hopes the first ever Dog Day Afternoon is as successful as her Strut for Mutts events have been in the past. Either way, she is glad to be making a difference for animals in need.

"It feels great to help out," Lanfranchi said.

 

If You Go

Dog Day Afternoon luncheon fundraiser

from noon to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12

Bonefish Grill, 3121 Fire Road, Egg Harbor Township

$20 admission for adults includes salad and entrée, $10 for kids

Proceeds go to Beacon Animal Rescue

Call (609) 839-8636 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for tickets