Can you help?

First, I have to say that this is out of my comfort zone. I don't like to ask for money, and often would rather work for free than have to bill someone. Maybe it's the whole karma thing, but I always hope for the best.

I feel better since my request isn't for me personally. My "cause" is the Verde Valley Humane Society. I have been serving as the board president for three years and in that time we have been doing our best to gather money to build a new facility to replace our 23 year old building. Through generous donations and special people, we gathered enough money to start the project this March. Project completion is near, but we need to raise an additional $150,000 to get it done. This is where I ask for money...$10, $100, $10,000, whatever you feel you could donate to this project. It's a tax-deductible donation, we are an IRS approved 501(c)3 organization. After so many years, we are so close, it just pains me to see us stop due to lack of funds. (And if you are wondering if I support my own cause, the answer is "YES", through donations of time, materials and several thousand dollars...)

So can you help? Will you help? You can donate in money in several ways:

• You can sponsor me in our "Drive for the Last Mile" golf fundraiser. I'm supposed to hit 100 balls into the hole, and need sponsors for at least $1.00 per hole. If you want to help me to help them, click here to send me an email and I will get you the details. If the email doesn't work for you, just comment on this blog with your contact info.
• You can go to our website and click on the donation link and send money via PayPal. That's fast and easy.
• You can send a check to us at the address below:
  Verde Valley Humane Society
  P.O. Box 1429
  Cottonwood, AZ 86326
  Make checks payable to: VVHS Building Fund

You can be anonymous or have your name published as a donor. In either case, we will send you a donation receipt for tax purposes.

If I haven't lost you yet, please read more about our Humane Society below. The photo below is of the existing building when it was opened in 1986.


When the building was opened the size was appropriate for our needs. Sadly, today is it grossly undersized, and many of the dog kennels are outdoors. Something is always in need of repair. The staff have no place to eat lunch or take a break except outdoors, under a corrugated metal roof and next to the crematory. In the heat of summer or the cold of winter, both animals and people are not in a good place.

Why we need to finish our new building:

• The current facility can no longer accommodate the rapidly increasing population of the Verde Valley. VVHS already cares for 1900-2400 animals per year.
• The current 3000 sq. ft. shelter is inadequate in many ways. Many kennels are open to the elements and all areas are overcrowded. There is no area to isolate animals with illnesses or injuries, which causes unnecessary euthanization.
• This society’s policy uses euthanasia as a last resort. Animals with serious behavior or health problems are euthanized, but at times perfectly healthy animals die simply due to a lack of space.
• The new facility will give VVHS additional dog kennels and cat cages. It will also include get-acquainted rooms, clinic/exam room, grooming area, laundry facility, ample storage areas and adequate staff facilities.
• A new facility will provide space (in the existing facility) for rehabilitating animals that are abused physically or emotionally, and allow them time for recovery before adoption.

The photo below is our "work-in-progress". The outside is nearly complete, the inside has drywall up and the basics installed. Paint is in process, as is the flooring. We're getting very close, and our contractor has been working very closely with our CEO to ensure we maximize every dollar we spend.




You can read more at our website

Thank you for reading all the way through, and thank you in advance for any donation that you make. We're all counting on you!