FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. (April 18, 2023) – Always up to try something new, the staff and volunteers at the Flagler Humane Society turned their annual Spay-ghetti Dinner into a western-themed shindig on Saturday evening, and the folks at the Florida Agricultural Museum were more than happy to accommodate.
Challenging members and supporters to don their best western outfits, cowboys and cowgirls turned out to kick up their heels.
Longtime volunteers James and Karen Skellion are not only supporters of the Flagler Humane Society, they happen to be country western dancers too as part of the Palm Coast America’s Music Line Dancers.
James led the instruction for guests before kicking it into high gear.
“We do all of the fostering of the kitties,” he said. “We’ve been fostering since we’ve been here.
Karen dotes on her fosters like children until it’s time to send them off for adoption.
“We specialize in kittens and these creatures have survived long enough to get to our hands and it’s up to us to see that they become the best kittens that they can possibly be,” said Karen. “That is our absolute bedrock for doing what we do.”
While there was plenty of fun to be had, it was also a special evening for FHS executive director Amy Carotenuto and her team as they recognized the passing of volunteer Tom Rock.
Just 50 years old, Tom and his wife Melissa have been involved in the Flagler Humane Society since moving to the region. His sudden passing on February 7, 2023 from a heart attack left his family and friends shaken.
“We were actually still volunteering for the Humane Society for the past six years even though we’ve been gone, and he had a heart attack, unexpected,” said Melissa.
Even though the couple moved to Hastings, they still prioritized the organization when home in between rescue missions for the ASPCA. Tom was instrumental in helping buildout the new Flagler Humane Society Thrift Store in 2018, after growing it over several years.
“He moved it to St. Joe Plaza and it did very well,” shared Melissa. “He also did the move from St. Joe Plaza to where it is now, next to Sherwin Williams. He built the walls and everything.”
Melissa was on hand Saturday evening to accept a plaque in his memory and hopes his legacy is one remembered for his generosity and love of animals.
“It was a very nice tribute to him. Just to continue building and growing the thrift store. He was always happy there. His volunteers were happy taking care of the clothes, taking care of the animals. Just a good time.”
“Tom Rock managed our thrift store from 2012 to 2017. His wife Melissa was our operations manager during that time,” shared Carotenuto. “They both were extremely devoted to FHS. Tom’s expertise and energy grew our thrift store to the huge success that it is today.”
To make a contribution to the Flagler Humane Society in Tom’s name, please visit www.flaglerhumanesociety.org.
