Fulkerson hosts rescue fundraiser

YATES COUNTY--Residents from throughout the Finger Lakes visited Fulkerson Winery Sunday, Sept. 27 not just to taste wine, but to walk their dogs for a good cause. Rainbow of Hope Animal Rescue, based in Big Flats, held its third annual Walk at Fulkerson event where adults over 21 donated $15 to be able to walk their dogs through the vineyard.
"It's a fundraiser... people can take a beautiful tour of the vineyard with their dogs and anyone over 21 gets a free glass of wine or grape juice at the end," said Lynette Gurgel adoption coordinator and director of fundraising of Rainbow of Hope.
Gurgel said all funds raised would go straight to Rainbow of Hope, which operates as a network of foster homes instead as a traditional center with a centralized location. Focused on dogs, Gurgel said Rainbow of Hope also will help with medical costs.
"We had an [event] in February and raised over $11,000 to help people who had lost their jobs and were struggling during the pandemic to pay for substantial medical costs for their dogs, one over $2,000," Gurgel said.
A volunteer-based non-profit, Regina Fulkerson said unlike the last two years where part of the fundraiser and raffles took take place inside, this year everything was outdoors.
Fulkerson, who is a member of the family that owns the winery and a volunteer with Rainbow of Hope, said the walk is important because the winery enjoys supporting non-profits and helping dogs in need.
"I like the setup this year, and we hope to gain interest every year and expand our offerings," Fulkerson said.
Hal and Karen Fitzsimmons brought their blonde German Shepard Kurzon to Fulkerson on Sunday to get their dog back out in the world after being mostly indoors during the pandemic.
"Kurzon is a therapy dog, and he hasn't been able to get out and go to hospitals during the pandemic, so we are here to support a good cause and get Kurzon back outside," said Hal.