Raise the Woof for UPAWS

NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP — If you are looking for an event filled with laughs–all while helping a good cause–the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter’s newest fundraiser might be the perfect option.

The shelter is hosting a comedy night called Raise the Woof this Friday at the Ramada Inn in Marquette.  The comedy night is put on by a group that travels around the Midwest to help raise money for local animal shelters.

“It’s something a little bit fun, even the group Raise the Woof talks about how they kind of give a voice to the animal through laughter and we thought ‘well how perfect is that?’ so it’ll be a great time, they’re professional comedians,” UPAWS bookkeeper and donor relations coordinator Steffani Baker said.

“And we’ve heard that comedy nights in the area are responded really well in the community so we thought it would be a really good time and what a better way then to do it for the animals?”

A comedy night is just one of the many fundraisers UPAWS holds to support the shelter, and the shelter had enormous support from the community.

“We’re not government funded, so events like this helps to keep our mission going,” Baker said.  “We’re a no kill shelter, it takes a lot to keep this place going and without the community we couldn’t do this.  (The funds raised) goes directly to the care of the animals while they’re here, providing an environment they can thrive in until they find their home.”

Doors open for Raise the Woof starting at 7 p.m. Friday, and the show starts at 8 p.m.  Baker said while the comedy will be relatively clean, she recommends guests be 18 and older.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at any NMU EZ ticket outlet.  Any leftover tickets will be sold at the door Friday.