MILFORD — Twelve hours of fun are in store for folks who want to help raise money for the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire.

On Friday, from noon to midnight, Clark's Tavern near the Milford Oval will be hosting an event called Bark n' Brew, featuring live music from The Malcolm Experience along with food, raffles, trivia, prizes, and plenty of beer to go around.

Laura Montenegro of the Animal Rescue League said Milford was chosen as the site because it's one of the towns the Bedford-based agency serves and many staff members and volunteers live in the Granite Town.

But the league also decided to come to Milford because of Leisl Clark, owner of Clark's Tavern, who bought the business after her husband, Richard Clark, was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2010.

The bar had been his favorite local hangout, and Leisl bought the business in part to help keep his memory alive.

“The owner of Clark's Tavern, Leisl Clark, and the staff has been incredibly generous in opening their doors to the Animal Rescue League and we are incredibly grateful for their support,” said Laurie Galletta, director of volunteer services for the league.

During the Bark n' Brew event, rescue league President and CEO Paula Mattis will talk about what's happening at the shelter and Maureen Prendergast, who specializes in helping to save animals from cruel and inhumane situations, will be on hand to talk about the organization's outreach program.

The timing is important, said Montenegro, because the Animal Rescue League is behind in its 2012 fundraising goals.

“We are completely funded by donors as well revenues generated from fundraisers and events. We received no federal, state, or local assistance,” said Montenegro. “On average, ARL operations cost $3,274 a day. The number of animals helped in 2011 was 2,298. The average cost for each animal that comes through our doors is about $1,400.”

But business aside, the point of Bark n' Brew is to bring together people who love animals to have a good time.

For more information visit www.rescueleague.org.

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