Ghost Investigator Linda Zimmermann led an event discussing her spooky occupation to help raise money for Pets Alive's Katrina Pitman Fund this past Friday at the Mechanicstown Firehouse in Middletown. 

Zimmermann, a former Nanuet resident, and friend Barbara Bleitzhofer, helped set up the fund in honor of Zimmermann's friend Pitman. 

"I was praying today that we would raise $300," sad Zimmerman. She announced to the 50 people in attendance that the event raised $1,173. 

"I am so touched by this," said Zimmermann. 

According to Marcy Rydd, who serves as Community Relations for Pets Alive, the members of Pets Alive were grateful for the opportunity to spread the word about the no-kill shelter via Zimmermann's event.

"Each year Pets Alive rescues well over a thousand animals, [and is] funded entirely on private donations," said Rydd. "With an 80-acre sanctuary in Middletown and [a second sanctuary], Pets Alive West in Elmsford, Pets Alive is internationally recognized as a leader, and among the oldest no kill organizations in the US." 

It is because of this, Rydd said, that Pets Alive "thanks Linda and her team for their generosity and enthusiasm." 

Rydd said that though the event was surrounded by a sad event - the passing of Pitman from cancer back in March this year - so much good could come from it. 

"It is heartwarming that the life passions of two good friends should be aligned to give from the heart," said Rydd.

Joy Sarnelli-Carson, another Pets Alive representative who attended the event was thrilled with the success.

"Tonight was such fun night and so interesting," said Sarnelli-Carson.

During the talk, Zimmermann told some of her scarier ghost experiences that were featured in her "Ghost Investigator" books.

"Katrina [Pitman] had always been a fan of what I had done," said Zimmermann.

Besides the $10 ticket price, people donated money for a 50/50 raffle, as well as items like jewelry and well reviewed graphic novels were donated as prizes. 

Bob Heske, a Massachusetts based graphic novelist and columnist for Invest Comics, donated two of his books "Coldblooded Chillers" to the event. 

"I was real happy to hear about the success," said Heske. "I had heard about the cause and I wanted to donated two of the books from the Heske Horror series." 

He said he knew people would love to come to an event like this which raises money for a no-kill pet shelter. 

"Who doesn't want to hear a good ghost story?" said Heske. 

Besides donating her time, Zimmermann herself donated 50 percent of the costs her books. Since Zimmermann self-publishes, she said she was glad to give up her profits.

"I am so amazed by how much we raised," said Zimmermann.

Besides the donations of books, time, jewelry and money, fans of the Ghost Investigator and Pets Alive were able to bring pet food and supplies.

"Every Saturday, we run an orientation workshops at 10am and 1pm and we invite people to come down and we explain how to volunteer," said Sarnelli-Carson. 

In a previous interview, Zimmermann explained Pitman had an amazing heart. Zimmermman said the event would have reflected her spirit. 

"I know she would be proud," said Zimmermann. 

For animal lovers and fans of the supernatural who were unable to attend the event and wished to donate, Zimmermann can be reached via her web site.

"I just want to say thank you everyone who donated their time," she said. Zimmermann praised the men of the Mechanicstown Fire Department. 

"They gave us the room and provided coffee and donuts," she said. "Everyone truly made this a special night for Katrina's memory."