For Immediate Release: May 10th, 2019 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kelly Proudfit, Executive Director
724.470.9713
Kelly@washingtonpashelter.org
EIGHTY FOUR – Just a few weeks ago, as the Washington Area Humane Society (WAHS) mailed out a request for support to the community for its $1.5 million capital campaign to fund construction of a new facility, a generous donor stepped forward and offered to match all contributions to the campaign up to $50,000, effectively doubling gifts to the shelter.
If you have been watching the dog-shaped tracker on their website, you know the response from the community has been fast and generous. “We are so incredibly grateful to all the donors and community members who have supported our efforts,” said Kelly Proudfit, Executive Director. “I am thrilled to announce today that we have surpassed the $50,000 match challenge bringing in over $100,000 towards our campaign!” In sharing this news, Proudfit added that this is the most the shelter has ever raised through a mail campaign in its 113-year history.
After years of planning and fundraising, the Washington Area Humane Society broke ground on a new 10,000 square foot building on their current property in Eighty Four, PA last September. The facility will provide much needed improvements to support programming and services for animals and their families in Washington County. The total project cost is $5 million, $3.5 million was already in place when the campaign to raise the $1.5 million needed to complete the project was launched in early 2018.
“This is very exciting news, but our work isn’t over yet. We are still about $100,000 short of reaching our $1.5 million goal,” shared Ami Andy Hillebrand, Campaign Co-Chair and WAHS Board member.
One of the most popular options for WAHS donors has been the opportunity to name unique spaces in the new building for themselves, their pets, family members or businesses. Donors can also be included on the recognition wall with any gift over $100. “The naming rights to adoption floor kennels sold out quickly, but we still have kennels in available in the dog holding area and many cat condos available,” said Proudfit.
Construction on the new facility is proceeding on schedule for a late fall 2019 opening.
Visit www.washingtonpashelter.org to learn more about the new home for WAHS, the New Home New Hope campaign and available naming opportunities.
