C.A.R.E – Critter Adoption
and Rescue Effort
SouthShore 2020 COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE | 21
Sun City Center and King’s Point
dedicated to achievement in the
arts and crafts. John Ruskin’s ideals
also persist in wide educational
resources, vocational and academic,
offered at the Southshore Campus of
Hillsborough Community College.
Among the accomplishments of
the RCDF in Ruskin are the creation
of Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning
Center on the Little Manatee River,
establishment of the Firehouse
Cultural Center, articulation of
Hillsborough County’s Ruskin
Community Plan, support of the
Ruskin Historical Project Inc. and
revival of the annual Ruskin Tomato
and Heritage Festival.
To see displays illuminating the
history of Ruskin, visit Fifth Third
Bank (1020 U.S. Hwy 41 N) and the
Ruskin Branch Library (26 Dickman
Drive SE). These feature local items
from WWI, prehistoric objects
from the Paleo Preserve at Camp
Bayou, kids toys from the 1940s,
and the history of Saint Anne’s
Catholic Church. Exhibits centered
on WWII and the Ruskin United
Methodist Church are scheduled, as
is a slide-show presentation titled
“SouthShore History You Can Visit”
at the Firehouse Cultural Center.
To learn more about RCDF or to
support its efforts, please call
813-641-4099.
Will You Leave a Legacy?
When Dr. Hal Ott founded the critter Adoption and Rescue Effort
almost 20 years ago, he had a vision, a place where homeless dogs and
cats, the abandoned and the unwanted, could feel safe, receive medical
care and be cared for by patient and loving volunteers and staff while
waiting for a forever home. C.A.R.E. was born of Ott’s love for animals
and continues to preserve his legacy through the generosity of others.
Over the years, hundreds of dogs and cats have been rescued and
found new homes through the endless volunteer hours of giving
community members. After these many years, the shelter building
needs to be replaced with a more efficient facility that includes more
space for the animals and the volunteers.
The “Build It” fundraiser event to raise funds for this needed shelter
kicked off at our local Sun City Center Area Chamber of Commerce
with great community involvement. With an estimated cost of
approximately $3 million plus another $400,000 to bring county water
and sewer lines to the property before any building can begin, this is
a huge challenge for a small nonprofit. The South Shore Coalition for
Mental Health and Aging wants to bring awareness to this effort where
so many of our furry companions are cared for.
If you have any interest of supporting this worthy cause, you are
asked to reach out to C.A.R.E. at (813) 645-2273.