DALLAS - The first spring weekend is a key time for many charities - it's when they launch their big fundraisers.
But Saturday's cold weather is likely to have had a devastating impact on groups relying on sunny skies for big turn-outs and big dollars.
Fewer than half the people, who attended the SPCA's Strut Your Mutt fundraiser drive last year, braved the cold weather this year.
"It was 70 all week and now it's cold," said participant Ben Cruz.
Around 600 people did walk the 3K.
But the wintry blast chilled turn-out on events across North Texas planned for the first day of spring.
One bad weather day can have a big effect on the bottom line.
Organizers were expecting 500 people to attend a literacy event at Fair Park but fewer than 100 showed.
It was a harsh blow to organizers who hoped to raise at least $5,000, just to just break even.
"Probably today probably going to gather $2,500, so we took a $2,500 hit but that's okay," said organizer Nikisha Jackson.
Organizers moved the walk and karaoke contest inside but the damage had been done.
"I think the weather pretty much kept them at home, first day of spring, cold and wet," said Jackson.
Still, the group is promising to move on and like the SPCA , will plan more fundraisers.
"If we fall short in one event, have to get creative to bring in new sources of support," said SPCA president, James Bias.
They will be looking for new sources of money to make up for the day when spring arrived in spirit only.
E-mail: jbetz@wfaa.com
