BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

MASSENA — Two fundraisers are planned to benefit Dr. Wilfredo Perez and the Java Veterinary Center.

Java’s Veterinary Center was a total loss following an extensive fire in October.

The first event is a bingo fundraiser scheduled for Dec. 3 at the Massena Moose Lodge, located at 4 Ames Street.

Doors open at noon with games slated to start at 1 p.m., according to the event’s Facebook page.

“Dr. Perez lost everything in a fire. He lost his livelihood and his home and business. He is planning to rebuild his life but needs the wonderful community's help,” the event page says.

“Dr. Perez has been good to our community by taking care of all of our fur babies. Now it's our turn as a community to help Dr. Perez.”

The skillo bingo fundraiser will be held in the downstairs section of the Moose Lodge and will include a Chinese auction, surprise raffles and a 50/50 raffle.

Admission is $2 and includes one free 50/50 ticket. Children are also welcome to play bingo as well.

Chinese auction tickets will be three for $1 or 20 for $5.

The 50/50 raffle tickets will be 3 for $2 and bingo cards will be twenty-five cents each.

Participants are encouraged to bring plenty of quarters and small bills for bingo, as well as bingo chips or other pieces to cover bingo numbers.

Sandwiches and chips will also be served. Cost is $2.50 while supplies last.

For those who do not wish to play but want to donate can also do so at the event.

Local musician Tracer James is also hosting a Christmas benefit concert on Dec. 9 at the Emanuel Congregation Church at 6 p.m.

“This is going to be a Pedal Steel Guitar Christmas Show, and I will be performing a selection of Christmas songs as instrumentals,” James wrote on Facebook. “I am donating EVERYTHING from this show to help rebuild his, and our community's loss.”

Admission for the concert is $10 at the door with no pre-sale option.

Dr. Perez currently has a temporary veterinary clinic setup in the Massena Industrial Park, located at 31 Trade Drive.

Call (315) 296-7705 or (315) 296-2409 to setup an appointment. Appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.