- December 4, 2025
Shirlene and Mike Bungo with B.Y.E. Band perform at the S.M.A.R.T. fundraiser event. Courtesy of S.M.A.R.T.
The Pups on the Patio fundraiser on Oct. 9 raised $5,000 for S.M.A.R.T. of Flagler County
The Pups on the Patio fundraiser on Oct. 9 raised $5,000 for S.M.A.R.T. of Flagler County. Courtesy photo
S.M.A.R.T. of Flagler County. Courtesy of S.M.A.R.T.
A Hammock band group has helped raise $5,000 for S.M.A.R.T. of Flagler County.
The B.Y.E. Band, or “Best Years Ever,” is a cover band by Mike and Shirlene Bungo, who live in The Hammock. The two travel across the U.S. performing covers of songs across the last several decades, and had just returned from their largest fundraiser of the year in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 4.
Fundraisers like the one recently hosted by B.Y.E. on Oct. 9 help pay for animals rescued by S.M.A.R.T. to be properly cared for, founder Caroline Johnson said in an interview with the Observer.
S.M.A.R.T., or Saving Missing Animals Response Team, is a dog rescue nonprofit founded and run by Johnson. The organization takes in stray, sick and abandoned dogs, cares for them, and finds home for them.
Johnson said that not only did the Bungos sponsor the event and perform for free, they also donated $2,000 to S.M.A.R.T.
“They really are just such hugely generous people,” Johnson said of the Bungos. “They’re huge supporters and they do a lot for charity.”
Mike Bungo wrote in an emailed statement that Looper’s Par & Grille, Manager Cierra Katz and the team were terrific venue hosts, from the food, service to the “welcoming and fun atmosphere.”
Johnson said the Bungos have sponsored or hosted multiple events for S.M.A.R.T. each year for the last two years.
“We have a wonderful partnership with Caroline and the extended S.M.A.R.T. community,” Bungo wrote. “We have the honor of calling many of them our friends.”
Johnson said despite the overcast and windy weather on Oct. 9, around 125 showed up, many of whom brought their dogs. Many had actually adopted from S.M.A.R.T. previously, she said.
There were six dogs being fostered by S.M.A.R.T that were available for adoption, and while none were adopted, the community raised $5,000 in donations that will go directly to veterinary services or food purchases for S.M.A.R.T.’s rescued animals.
“We couldn’t do it without them. I mean, the community shows up,” Johnson said.
It’s heartfelt, she said, how both the community and the businesses will come together to support S.M.A.R.T.
“It shows you the impact that you’re having on people who love animals or love charity work and appreciate the time that you’re giving,” Johnson said.
