Pool tournament fundraiser supports Wild About Animals initiative in Sidney

SIDNEY, Neb. — A full day of eight-ball competition Saturday at Winners Pub & Grill raised funds to support a new animal welfare initiative in Sidney.

The Wild About Animals Pool Tournament ran from 10 a.m. to approximately 6 p.m. at the Silverberg Drive venue. The event featured a Scotch doubles, blind draw, double-elimination format with a $25 entry fee. Organizers limited the field to 40 spots, and 38 players ultimately participated.

The tournament paid down four spots for a total of $1,000 and included a taco bar, door prizes and a silent auction. Auction items donated by local businesses included guided hunts, an impact drill, ammunition, ski gear and motorcycle equipment. The public was invited to attend even if they were not competing.

Proceeds from the event will go toward helping Wild About Animals establish itself as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The group aims to provide assistance for pet food, emergency veterinary bills and efforts to spay, neuter and vaccinate stray and feral cats.

Sierra Nickel, one of the creators of Wild About Animals and the city of Sidney’s code enforcement officer, said her passion for animal welfare began early.

“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been more of an animal person than a people person,” Nickel said. “When I was a kid, I would always watch ‘Animal Cops: Houston.’ I wanted to be that person and now I am that person. I think that’s super cool and now I get to do it outside of work, too.”

Nickel said the organization has already been working on a trap, neuter and release program for feral cats in Sidney, as well as developing a pet pantry to distribute donated cat and dog food. The group also plans to assist residents facing unexpected veterinary expenses.

“Anything that goes toward animal welfare, that’s what we’re working on,” Nickel said. “We’re trying to get our 501C3, so that’s what the money from the event will go toward.”

Wild About Animals is in the early stages of the nonprofit application process and is working with Cheyenne County E3 to establish its status.

“Especially with my job, I see the good, the bad and the ugly,” Nickel said. “We’re here to fight against the bad and the ugly.”

Organizers said Saturday’s turnout and community support demonstrated strong local interest in expanding resources for animal welfare in Sidney.