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TOP STORY OF THE DAY Brought to you FREE by WICU: PICKLEBALL Fundraiser for CCHS
An unexpected 4th of July Pickleball Fundraiser helped the Clay County Humane Society Rescue and Adoption Center, located at 8280 N. County Road 125 West, Brazil.
Shelter Director Lindsay Stevenson is excited about the windfall because donations in support of the facility are down this year due to COVID-19.
“We understand that money is tight for everyone right now,” said Stevenson, who added the facility remains closed to the public but continues to adopt animals through online applications with adoptees allowed in the facility by appointment. “We’re down about half of where we were this time last year with our regular donations, but we have had a lot of unexpected support. What we really need is more donations of supplies. It’s kitten season, and we are going through supplies like crazy.”
Stevenson said it takes approximately $1,600 to take care of the more than 40 cats and kittens (at least $40 to have a cat fixed) already at the shelter in need of homes, and there are calls every day about more litters of kittens in need.
With a number one rule of “let’s just have some fun,” the random fundraiser was the idea of Andy Stone and Brandon Sneath, who held the fundraiser at their home with a tennis court recently updated with two pickleball courts. The couple recently learned how to play the game, and were looking for something to do during the holiday.
“Anybody can do it. It doesn’t take much effort,” said Brandon. “Anything raised is money that wasn’t there before; its extra money they didn’t expect was coming.”
The couple were going to play in the tournament but gave up their spot. They enjoyed watching others play throughout the event, which provided refreshments and a great view of the fireworks later that evening.
The 15 teams played in 20-minute matches at the all-day event fundraiser was quickly organized in time for the 4th of July, and they felt unsure of what to do. The support for the event was outstanding. However, they learned from the experience and plan on doing it again next year with a few modifications.
Stevenson said it is individual efforts like this that are so vital to many charitable organizations.
“It’s amazing what one person can do to help when they take action,” she said, and Andy and Brandon agree.
“Pick something that is meaningful and that you care about,” said Andy, who is opening A & B Homes Real Estate Company, 525 East National Avenue, Brazil, with Brandon in August. “We never thought we would raise $1,200 when we started this.”
A “pineapple whip” stand open during the Brazil Rotary 4th of July Celebration also raised $1,200 for the shelter during the holiday weekend.
“We are very grateful to both fundraisers on the 4th of July,” said Stevenson.
The Clay County Humane Society Rescue and Adoption Center gratefully accepts donations from the public to offset the cost of taking care of the animals at the facility 24/7. Log on to the shelter’s Facebook page, which has a donation button, to keep up-to-date about the facility.
Supplies are needed
Clay County Humane Society Rescue and Adoption Center officials confirm they ask for specific pet foods because it is crucial to keep the animals on a consistent diet to reduce digestive issues, which in return makes them sick and creates medical problems and bills.
Officials confirm the following items are needed, including:
Kitten formula
Kitten food (Purina-yellow bag or Purina One)
Wet kitten food
Litter
Cat chow (Purina blue or green bag)
Diamond original dog food (red bag)
Diamond naturals lamb and rice
Dog chow (green or red bag)
Purina One Smartblend ( any variety)
Canned dog food (chopped and chunk)
Dog and cat treats
Cleaning supplies such as bleach, paper towels, and laundry soap are always needed.
Donations of food and supplies can always be dropped off in a donation bin or sat by the shelter’s front door with no contact drop-offs. The Clay County Humane Society Rescue and Adoption Center is located at 8280 N. County Road 125 West, Brazil. Call 812-446-5126 for more information.