For Halie Winchenbach, it was an easy choice of which organization to back.

If the 10-year-old animal lover from Jefferson was going to help a cause, it was likely to have paws.

Halie is the driving force behind the April 19 Furry Fundraiser for the Lincoln County Animal Shelter in Edgecomb.

“I wanted to do something for the animals; I think they're really cute,” she said. “I want everyone to really like (the event).”

Both of Halie's cats have come from the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, so it was an easy choice to help out the shelter, she said.

When she brought the idea to her mother, Molly Winchenbach, there was no problem.

Except for the weather.

“When she first told me her idea, it was in December,” Molly Winchenbach said. “I said 'You might want to wait until it's a little nicer outside.'

“So, she picked a date and came up with more ideas and has been the organizer for the whole event. It's been a lot of fun to see it all come together.”

What started last winter as just a bake sale and lemonade stand to help raise money for the shelter has bloomed in the spring to go beyond just the bake sale and lemonade to music and dancing, a dog wash, a 50-50 raffle and more.

“I want to raise $500 for the animal shelter,” Halie said.

The event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 19 at the Jefferson Village School, 48 Washington Road, Jefferson.

To donate to the fundraiser, go to the website or call or email Molly Winchenbach at 207-975-6998 or mollipop11@gmail.com.