Potsdam Humane Society - Capital Campaign Press Release August 2009

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⇐ Return to Capital Campaign

PHS Introduces New Ways To Support Animal Building Project

80% of the way towards reaching our goal of $1 million.

Aug. 2009 (updated Nov 2009): As it closes in on its Phase 2 fundraising goal, the Potsdam Humane Society (PHS) is introducing a number of special giving opportunities to recognize and encourage contributions to their capital campaign for urgently needed upgrades to the Potsdam Animal Shelter.

Launched in December of 2007, the Labor of Love Campaign seeks to raise $750,000 for a complete renovation and expansion of the 50-year old animal shelter facility operated by PHS.

The campaign is divided into three Phases, each aimed at securing $250,000 in support. Phase 1 concluded on January 31, 2009, when the first $250,000 was secured through community-based fundraising activities and leadership gifts. Phase 2, launched in February of this year, is focused on raising an additional $250,000 to break ground for the building project.

“We’re about 80% there,” said Bonnie Boyd, PHS Board President.

To meet this target, PHS is announcing a number of giving opportunities and challenges to encourage and recognize prior, new and additional community support:

Over 30 features of the new building are being offered as naming opportunities for those giving $750 or more to PHS and the campaign.

Donors of $200 and $400 can permanently recognize a beloved pet or person on a new “Leaves of Love” display area for individual commemorative gifts.

Donations of any amount can be made to a new LEAF (Landscaping, Equipment and Furnishings Fund); those contributing $500 to $1,500 can target their support to areas of particular interest, such as outdoor items, furniture, or larger animal-related or office items.

Donations of any amount can be designated to one of three community challenges – a $100,000 Medical Challenge to fund a new surgical room, a $20,000 Business Challenge to create a multi-purpose training/conference room, and a $15,000 Education Challenge for a new animal nursery.

A total of ten, $5,000 commemorative challenges are available to those who wish to raise funds, as a group, in honor of loved ones, community leaders and others who share the values of PHS. These donations will support two new catteries and are ideal for members of extended families, organizations or other groups that share a common interest.

“Animal lovers and community-minded folks come from all walks of life, so we wanted to offer a wide variety of choices to those supporting us,” Boyd said. “There’s something for everyone.”

This includes those who provided leadership support for the project in Phase 1, according to Boyd.

“Those who have already given can choose to be recognized based upon their current level of support, or to direct their donations to one of the challenge giving opportunities,” she added. “They can also credit Phase 1 contributions toward a larger gift in order to reach a higher naming opportunity level.”

PHS has developed new printed materials for Phase 2 of the Campaign, which include all of the new giving options. These were recently mailed to all those who contributed in Phase 1, and PHS Board members are now in the process of doing personal outreach to invite additional support at this time.

“This is a very exciting and crucial time in our campaign and building project,” Boyd said. “If we can meet our Phase 2 fundraising goal within the next few months, we can start construction this year, and then turn our focus to fully funding and completing the project in 2010.”

Boyd also commented on the recent announcement that PHS is on the list to receive federal funds through the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities program.

“Many people thought this meant we did not need any more money, but that’s not the case,” said Boyd. “While the program we applied to will provide us with some grant funds, most is in the form of long-term, low-interest financing. So we will still need to raise funds to pay off the loan.”

“What the federal funding does is to allow us to proceed with construction now, when the timing is ideal, while allowing donors to complete pledges over time,” she added.

Information on giving via Pay Pal or credit card, as well as Phase 2 giving materials, can be found on the left side of this page or on the main Capital Campaign page. Boyd and other board members would also be happy to personally deliver a packet to anyone interested, and may be contacted via the website or by calling the animal shelter.

“This outpouring of community support for this project has been continuous since we launched the Campaign,” Boyd said. “There are as many ways to help the shelter building project as there are animals that find their way into our hearts. If you want to play a part, now’s the time to get involved.”

Also... See our press release about Tracy (Grant) and Jason Adle.