Friday and Saturday, Oct. 18 and 19, Jerry and Helen Gaye of Osceola held their 10th Annual Homeless Animal Benefit at Howard S. Lines Knoxville VFW Post 6753 at 703 Boatman Road in Knoxville, PA. 

Raised was $2,633. In addition, a $500 donation was made during the benefit bringing the total contributed to $3,133 on Oct. 19 to the Heading Home Center at 725 Gee Road in Tioga, PA. 
 

The Heading Home Center is operated by Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries, Inc., a volunteer-based, non-profit organization founded in 2001 in Tioga County. 

“Jerry, his wife, family and friends have again created an outstanding event that raised $3,133 that went directly to help the at-risk dogs and cats at our Heading Home Center,” said Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries, Inc. President Jim Howe. “These much-needed funds greatly assist us with the ever-increasing costs of veterinary care, food and other care needs. All proceeds do directly help the at-risk dogs and cats in our care on their journey to a loving family,” Howe said.

“Each year, we look forward to not only the amazing achievements from their work but the opportunity to revisit the friends we have developed through the benefit. Jerry with the help of his team has shouldered this annual event that includes a chance auction, the sale of more than 25 hand-crafted wooden treasures crafted by Jerry himself, a 50-50 raffle and donated pet food and goods that packed a volunteer’s SUV to the roof at this year’s benefit. The VFW very generously supports the event and participates as well. Many organizations and businesses have also supported Jerry and this very personal event to help animals,” Howe said.

“Second Chance is indeed honored to be the recipient of the event proceeds and the generous friendship of Jerry and his team,” said Howe.
 
Gaye has been organizing these benefits since 2014, prompted into action when a one-year-old male dog was found in January of that year frozen to death in a plastic pet carrier in woods along Cummings Creek Road in Farmington Township. Charlie was alive when he was left in the locked carrier on Oct. 3, 2013. He died “due to probable starvation over a period of time.”

Just as he has done every year, on Sunday, Oct. 20, the day after the benefit, Gaye began running logs through his sawmill in preparation for making more than 25 different items available for purchase during the Yard Sale to be held in conjunction with the Chance Auction at the 2025 benefit. Among them will be furniture, planters, lanterns, birdhouses, beverage holders, charcuterie boards and more. 

Those who want to support the Heading Home Center are welcome to call 570-376-3646 for more information.