Among causes the late Ashley Kertes of Greensburg supported was an area nonprofit that rescues, fosters and completes adoptions of cats in want of fine properties.
The former Greensburg Community Development Corp. govt director and Greensburg Salem School District administrator can be remembered Saturday when Greensburg’s Cattfeinated Cat Cafe names its cat lounge for her. The lounge is the place most of the cats and kittens available for adoption by Wayward Whiskers Animal Rescue have met their new house owners.
“Ashley was a supporter of our mission and helping cats and kittens in our area, and a supporter of small businesses in Greensburg,” stated Katelynn Jones, president of the cat rescue group and co-owner of the Cattfeinated Cat Cafe. “We wished to focus on her life and legacy.
“She was a lover of cats; she had three cats of her own. What better way of honoring her than dedicating our cat rooms to her in memory of all the things she has done for us and our community.”
Following a personal ceremony for Kertes’ household, the general public is invited to have fun her legacy and the cat rescue’s achievements from midday to 7 p.m. on the cafe, 159 E. Otterman St.
Those who attend will be capable to view a plaque within the foyer dedicating the cat lounge in Kertes’ identify. The cafe will supply free 15-minute visits with adoptable cats within the lounge.
Beverage specials can be featured and a Kickin Korn Dogs meals truck can be available at midday.
There can be momentary tattoos and a coloring exercise for youths.
“We’re also celebrating our 500th cat adoption,” stated Jones. “A lot of our success stems from Ashley’s commitment to us.”
Jones stated Kertes and her husband, Westmoreland County Commissioner Sean Kertes, have volunteered at fundraising occasions for Wayward Whiskers.
Ashley Kertes died unexpectedly, at 36, on March 24 at her Greensburg home.
At the time of her funeral, her household prompt donations in her reminiscence to the cat rescue group. “The donations were quite substantial,” Jones stated, noting they’ve helped to assist Wayward Whiskers’ latest service, working a low-cost spay and neuter clinic.
The donations additionally helped cowl veterinary prices for 2 rescued cats that had been severely abused and uncared for, in line with Jones. “We were thankful we had the funding,” she stated.
“Losing Ashley has resulted in unimaginable pain for our family, but knowing Ashley means knowing she would want us to give meaning to our grief by helping others,” stated her sister, Christina Gongaware of Greensburg. “Ashley loved animals, especially cats, and knowing her legacy of kindness will support Wayward Whiskers’ mission of caring for abandoned cats gives us some solace and rightfully highlights what a meaningful and beautiful life she lived.”
“Saturday’s event is a reflection of Ashley’s kindness, generosity and compassion for her community,” stated Sean Kertes. “She hated to see any animal struggling or in ache and took steps to make sure Wayward Whiskers would thrive in Greensburg.
“This is an important event for myself and Ashley’s family because it shines a light on what a loss our community has suffered, but also allows everyone to see what she stood for and gives them a chance to spread that kindness to others who need it most.”
“There were plenty of times (Ashley) found a cat and came to us to get it the medical attention it might need, so it could be adopted out to a good home,” stated Gabrielle Stewart of Greensburg, a Wayward Whiskers volunteer.
Jones stated Kertes, in her management position with the Greensburg Community Development Corp., supplied steerage on assets Jones might search out as she and her husband, Rob, began the Cattfeinated Cat Cafe business in 2019.
“She was the first person to reach out to us to help make our vision a reality, and she was with us every step of the way,” stated Jones.
Ashley Kertes is credited with main improvement of a Covid-19 Relief Main Street Jump-Start Program that supplied grants to small businesses in Greensburg that had been struggling through the pandemic.
“She wanted to see businesses and organizations have success and make Greensburg a place people want to visit,” stated Jones.
Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review employees author. You can contact Jeff by e mail at [email protected] or by way of Twitter .
