The concept involves a charity coming to the establishment of an evening and inviting patrons to donate $20 to skip the line in a fundraising effort.

It has twice proven successful with $15,554.80 raised through July for Dog Rescue Newcastle, which was started in Newcastle in 2008 by Sue Barker and Anne Ward to support rescued, abandoned, neglected or abused dog, puppies, cats and kittens.

It relies solely on volunteers and fundraising appeals, such as Skip the Line, and in the past nine years over 6000 dogs and 600 cats have been fostered and re-homed through a network of over 150 foster carers. 

The group is run by volunteers and there is a monthly estimated cost for vet care of over $20,000 per month.

Dog Rescue Newcastle fundraising coordinator Rhonda Domanti said their service gave animals that are otherwise neglected a second chance and was thrilled with the support from the Sydney Junction Hotel through July.

“Staff and management have been extremely supportive; our volunteers have felt safe with the many security guards on hand,” Ms Domanti said.

“Skip-the-queue is a great incentive where patrons can donate money to the charity enabling them to enter SJH without having to wait in line … an absolutely brilliant way to raise funds for our charity.” 

She also said it was a positive community engagement exercise as it started many conversations about the work done by Dog Rescue Newcastle.

“Volunteers had so much fun as patrons proudly showed off their pets displayed on their mobile phones while waiting in a queue to enter the premises,” she said.

“Lots of sad and funny stories were shared with us during the month.”

Animals are removed from harmful environments, such as domestic violence situations. The organisation has no kennel facilities, and every animal is taken into the home of a volunteer.

To find out more about the work of Dog Rescue Newcastle, go to dogrescuenewcastle.com.au.