Saint Patrick’s Day has taken on a new spin for the Oakdale/Riverbank area thanks in part to the ASTRO Foundation.

The Animal Shelter to Riverbank and Oakdale (ASTRO), a 501c3 not for profit, will host its Annual ‘St. Catty’s Day’ fundraiser on Saturday, March 17 at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a buffet dinner served shortly after. The evening will include live as well as silent auction items, raffle opportunities, games and live music. Tickets are $60 per person and are available at ASTRO Thrift and Gift Shop in downtown Oakdale.

According to ASTRO President Jaydeen Vicente the event annual event has grown since its humble beginnings in a barn. Last year, the fundraiser earned over $26,000 for the non-profit. Proceeds from this year’s event will aid with covering operating expenses as well as go toward building a new shelter for the area rescue.

“We are a rescue, but we don’t have a facility,” Vicente stated. “So we are a foster based rescue. Once we have a facility we can save a lot more dogs.”

The 501c3 recently signed a contract with Davis-based Indigo Architects to draft plans for the future facility. A goal of $1 million has been set for construction of a 3,000 square foot building to be housed on one to two acres in the Oakdale area. Location of the land has yet to be determined.

Last year ASTRO adopted out 450 cats and 50 dogs, Vicente shared. She noted the cat number was higher due in part to need as well as shortage of dog foster homes. Currently the rescue works with Oakdale Animal Shelter taking adoptable pets which may no longer be housed by the city. Those animals are then cared for by foster families and taken to Petco in Riverbank for adoption events.

With pet adoption now averaging a healthy 500 pets per year, the need for a permanent facility is definitely present. Vicente shared land location as well as cost will play important factors in developing the shelter.

“It’s just a fun, fun time,” she added of the annual St. Catty’s Day festivities. “It just really shows the community has a place in their hearts for animals.”

For additional information on the event, ASTRO Foundation or the future facility call 604-2649 or visit www.astrofoundation.org.