On March 4, 2012, which was a beautiful sunny day on South Padre Island, Leslie Blasing provided the entertainment at Boomerang Billy’s Beach Bar and Grill as she normally does. However, this day was special because she was asking the audience and friends to help her keep a promise she made.

The Friends of Animal Rescue – SPI were in dire need of a machine called an Autoclave, that sterilizes the surgical instruments used in the treatment of animals. Because the Friends of Animal Rescue (which is a Registered Non-Profit) did not have the funds available, Leslie “promised” she would somehow raise the estimated $3,000 needed to purchase one.

Her love for animals and their care, is well known on the Island as she has personally helped and paid for the medical treatment, food and housing for numerous stray and abandoned animals.

As Leslie pondered how she was actually going to keep her promise the words to a song went flittering through her mind (which happens quite often I am told) and it went like this:

“What would you think if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me.
Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song,
And I’ll try not to sing out of key.
Oh, I’ll get by with a little help from my friends”

Those words became the idea to have this past Sunday be an event for those that could help her “keep the promise”. So, as she sang her little heart out for the cause, in a period of 4 hours, she somehow managed to meet her goal and collect the $3,000 in donations.

Several challenges from the audience, such as, to see if the men or women would provide the most funds began.  The International Idiots Club, on behalf of its members, presented Leslie with a check for $500, one of the Idiots long-time members, Sherry Morrey, personally donated $350 and even a personal friend of Leslie’s sent her a text message promising $250 (although I think the friend assumed it was for bail money). Sometimes the money was in $20 bills sometimes it was just pocket change, but it all paid off.

If your are interested in helping out the Friends of Animal Rescue – SPI, please visit them on FACEBOOK FRIENDS OF ANIMAL RESCUE or their web site: www.friendsofanimalrescuespi.com.  If you can, stop by to make a donation or even mail it to them, please be sure to tell them, “Leslie sent me!”