Cache
Humane Society meets the challenge as donors pony up
$130,000 to complete valley shelter
December 9, 2004 | Cache Valley’s
first and only full-service animal shelter is now scheduled
for completion by June 1, 2005, following receipt this
week of two grants totaling $130,000.
The Cache Humane Society (CHS) received a check for
$100,000 from the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles
Foundation. Also, a Cache County family that wishes
to remain anonymous has added $30,000. These donations
were contingent on CHS raising $70,000 for other sources.
That goal was reached at the Humane Society’s
annual fundraising dinner last month, said Lee Austin,
president of the CHS board of directors.
“Response from the public has been tremendous
since we announced the two challenge grants last May.
We met and exceeded our goals,” he said. “There
are too many people to thank by name, but this community
really showed it cares about this project.”
Austin said construction of the shelter was started
last year with the Humane Society’s $85,000 in
cash and more than $66,000 in donated labor and materials.
“This additional $200,000 will be used for interior
construction, dog and cat kennels, clinical equipment,
parking and highway improvements,” he said.
The 4,960-squarefoot shelter building, located at 2350
West Valley View Highway (200 North), will have a maximum
capacity of 100 dogs and 100 cats.
“We are now entering a new phase in this project.
We will begin discussions with area animal control officials,
municipalities and the county to develop a plan for
coordinated animal services, including rescue and adoption,”
Austin said. “We will also be consulting with
area veterinarians and developing policies and protocols
for operation of the shelter.”
But the job is far from over, Austin said. While CHS
now has enough money to complete and open the shelter,
additional donations are needed for such things as extra
kennels to bring the facility to full capacity.
“As with all non-profit organizations, we will
always need community support,” he said. “This
is the Cache Valley’s animal shelter.”
The Cache Humane Society is an independent, all volunteer
organization and does not receive funding from any other
animal welfare organization.
Supporters of the animal shelter can be recognized
in a variety of ways.
A stainless steel kennel for two dogs costs $1,700.
Kennels will be named for individual who donate that
amount. A similar opportunity is available for $400
cat kennels. $1,000 donors will be listed on a “Founders
Plaque,” and engraved bricks are available for
contributions of $100. Naming rights for several of
the rooms are still available for major donations.
The CHS can be reached by mail at P.O. Box 3640, Logan,
UT 84323-3640, or by phone at (435) 792-3920. |
