Helping others: Events will raise awareness - and money - for animals' sake

Events about and for animals lead the way:

• The Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will present its fourth annual "Humane- itarian Awards" on Aug. 23 at The Grand, 1215 J St., with no-host cocktails at 6 p.m., vegetarian buffet dinner at 7 p.m. and awards at 7:30 p.m. Emcee will be actress Loretta Swit, an animal-rights activist and Emmy Award winner who is well-known for her role as Maj. Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan on "M*A*S*H." Swit is a leading spokeswoman for the nonprofit group Actors and Others for Animals.

The SSPCA will honor several organizations, agencies and individuals for their efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of animals.

Among the honorees will be Linda and Mike McNally, volunteers with Sacramento SPCA, who will be recognized for their work in remodeling, organizing and relocating the SPCA Thrift Store to 1517 E St.

Bruno Cohen, president of Channels 13 and 31, will receive the award for outstanding support of animal welfare.

Agencies and groups include the Sacramento County Department of Animal Care and Regulation, the city of Sacramento's Animal Care Services, the Animal Protection Institute and the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights.

To be recognized for their efforts to provide relief for animals rescued from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina will be the Humane Society of the United States, Noah's Wish, the Canines of California Urban Search and Rescue Taskforce 7, VSA Animal Hospitals and the Shelter Medicine Program at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Tickets are $35 general, $25 for active SPCA volunteers; table sponsorships are available. Purchase online at www.sspca.org or call (916) 383-7387, ext. 9105.

• Taste of Placer County will be held Aug. 19 at the Maidu Community Center, 1550 Maidu Drive, Roseville. Food and beverage samplings from Placer County restaurants, wineries and breweries will be available from 6 to 10 p.m. There will be live music and a silent auction.

The party will benefit Harvey's Help for Pets in Need, a nonprofit that provides cash grants and other gifts to support local animals.

Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 at the door, and include unlimited tasting. The first 200 guests will receive a souvenir wine glass. The party is for those 21 or over. Call (916) 663-2841 or visit www.HarveysHelp.org or www.tasteofplacer.com.

Harvey's Help, founded in 2002 by Johnita Wemken and Michael Martin, honors the memory of Harvey, a sick, mangled and starving puppy who followed the couple home. With the proper care, Harvey was brought back to health. Harvey died in 2004 from cancer.

Harvey's Help supports local pets in need and strives to reduce pet overpopulation. The goal this fall is to present a gift to the Placer County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit.

• On the futures calendar for Harvey's Help is an Octoberfest planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15 at 7535 Ridgeview Lane, Penryn. General admission is $10 per person; children 5 and under free. The first 100 dogs will receive a bandanna, and the first 100 paid admissions will receive a pumpkin. Included will be canine games, a pumpkin patch, pet-product vendors, water fun and a blessing of the animals.