Humane Society for Hamilton County Makes
Urgent
Community Plea to Raise $12,000 by March 31
Small group of shelter supporters agrees to match
contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $6,000
Noblesville, Ind., January 30, 2009 – A small group of
shelter supporters has agreed to match dollar-for-dollar all
donations made through March 31 up to $6,000. The matching
campaign comes at a critical time when the shelter is facing
a budget deficit and reduced cash flow, and aims to raise
$12,000 by March 31.
“The majority of our operating budget comes from private and
corporate donations, and from adoption and special event
revenue,” said HSHC Executive Director Rebecca Stevens.
“What we are seeing is a drop in our revenue from most of
these sources, and we’re concerned about our ability in 2009
to maintain the quality of sheltering and medical care that
has resulted in our reputation of being a homeless animal’s
best chance for a second chance.”
In 2008, the Humane Society saw 59 and 27 percent increases
in owner-surrendered pets from 2006 and 2007 respectively –
many of which were related to the down economy – creating an
enormous strain on the shelter’s operating budget. The
shelter ended the year at a $23,000 deficit due to an
overall decrease in donations in 2008, the increase in
owner-surrenders, and an increase in the number of animals
arriving in need of emergency medical care. In addition, the
shelter faced a pneumonia epidemic in May, and, rather than
euthanize to save money, it chose instead to save hundreds
of lives at a cost of $20,000.
“We are fortunate to have the supporters that we do, and our
goal, of course, is to reach or exceed our goal of raising
$12,000 by March 31,” said Stevens. “We challenge the
Hamilton County community to help us reach our goal.”
“Even if someone is unable to help either with a cash
donation or by donating an item off the shelter’s wish list,
folks can still help by becoming a volunteer or by fostering
a shelter animal in need, both of which do not cost a dime.”
Wish list items most in need are paper towels, liquid
laundry detergent, toilet paper, trash bags, Dawn® brand
dishwashing detergent and rubbing alcohol. The entire wish
list can be viewed at
www.hamiltonhumane.com. For more information on
volunteering, log on to
http://www.hamiltonhumane.com/volunteers.htm.
Cash donations can be made in person at the shelter, or
mailed to 1721 Pleasant Street Suite B, Noblesville, IN
46060.
For more information, call the shelter at
317-773-4974, or log on to
www.hamiltonhumane.com.
About the Humane Society for Hamilton County
The Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC) is a
non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. It is not a
United Way Agency, and is not affiliated with any other
animal welfare group in the United States. The HSHC also
serves as the animal control facility for Hamilton County,
and, as such, receives partial funding from Hamilton County.
The majority of the HSHC budget is funded by private donors.
The HSHC will not euthanize animals for space and time, and
will treat sick and injured animals if there’s an outlook
for recovery and a high quality-of-life. Many animals are
hit-by-car injured, heartworm-positive, malnourished, or
otherwise wounded and/or sick. The HSHC will provide most of
these animals with life-saving treatments, surgeries and
medications as their best chance for a second chance and
until they are placed into forever homes.
The mission of the Humane Society for Hamilton County:
Saving Lives. Educating Communities. Completing Families.
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