When Native New Yorker Helene Sola, a registered nurse, clinical nursing instructor, and animal lover, adopted her cat, Rexxaroo, from a shelter, she was struck by how loving he was.

Over time, the idea came to Sola that using her own cat’s experience for a children’s book would be a wonderful tribute to shelter cats. Loo Loo and the Fabulous Marvelous Rexxaroo, Sola’s first children’s book, will launch on Dec. 6 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. at The Living Room, 103 Main St. in Cold Spring.

The event will be held in conjunction with Mid Hudson Animal Aid, a cat sanctuary in Beacon — and the shelter where Rexxaroo lived prior to his adoption by Sola.

“My book was inspired by my love of animals and children,” said Sola. “I feel that caring for children and animals and teaching the next generation are some of the most rewarding experiences one can have.”

A percentage of the proceeds from the book launch event, including all monies earned from raffles of local restaurant gift certificates, gift baskets and other items, will be donated to MHAA. Rexxaroo got his start at the cat sanctuary, and Sola would like to share this event and the success of Loo Loo and the Fabulous Marvelous Rexxaroo with that shelter.

Donald J. Petruncola, president of the MHAA Board of Directors, added: “We are thankful to be a part of this endeavor. MHAA is a no-kill, free-range cat sanctuary that runs solely on private donations. With the economy, we are in dire need of financial support. We hope that this book and Rexxaroo will bring more exposure to MHAA to help our felines.”

Sola will be signing the books, which will be sold at the launch at a special discounted price of $16. The books would make great holiday gifts for children. Additional information regarding this event can be found at midhudsonanimalaid.org or by calling 845-831-4321.

Behind The Story

Type: News

News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

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