WCAHS Rebuilding Update
So many generous people have already made donations to the Washburn County Area Humane Society since the March fire through GoFundMe, donations on the shelter website, collections taken at the Spooner Veterinary Office, checks sent directly to the WCAHS address, and through the many offers of fundraisers by individuals and businesses. These donations to help supplement the insurance settlement have now totaled over $27,000. This generous amount is reflective of the interest in and support of the WCAHS. So, it is now possible to update all those who have already donated and those who are interested in doing so, but would like to know for sure that the animal shelter will definitely be rebuilt. The excessive time it has taken to work with the insurance company has been the reason for the lack of updates on this shelter project. Definite monetary settlement answers were not provided to the Board who have been working on the rebuilding options of whether to relocate the shelter, refurbish an existing building, or rebuild on the present fire-damaged site. An insurance settlement has finally been reached and a fact-based decision will now be able to be made. Demolition bids for the removal of the burned building, animal shelter designers, building contractors, and other animal shelter organizations have been contacted during the waiting process. The goal that has been very much discussed is for an affordable yet effective and efficient animal shelter on a site that will meet the needs of the community and the animals for many years. It has been a heartbreaking, frustrating and yet uplifting several months since the shelter fire. The loss of the use of this building for this number of months and the rebuilding challenges have certainly been the downside of the fire; however, the overwhelming response, both financially and in concern for WCAHS animal shelter and its continued existence, has been greatly appreciated and has made the future of rebuilding a reality. If you wish to make a donation, please donate either on this website or by mailing a check to our temporary mailing address of WCAHS, 110 Walnut St., Spooner, WI 54801 or you can donate on our Go Fund Me page https://www.gofundme.com/wcahs-fire-fund . Adoptable PetsThere will not be pets available at our location until further notice, but please click on the Petfinder logo below to view available pets in nearby shelters.
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Upcoming Events
July 27-30--Washburn County Fair. Look for our table in the Commercial Building. August 19--Critter Benefit at Snag's Bar in Spooner 
SHED FEST 2017
Shed Fest 2017 proved to be a success regardless of the rain and shine weather on Sunday, June 25, at Shell Lake's Potter's Shed. The many musical groups who donated their talent for the benefit of Washburn County Area Humane Society played on and the 200 plus fund raising supporters weathered the ups and downs of the day and evening to generously help add $5,300 to the WCAHS Fire Fund. Judy and Jack White inspired and coordinated this idea with Mike and Rebecca Macone, so Shed Fest 2017 was created. The team of WCAHS board members, employees, and volunteers served food and beverages, gathered the donated prizes from so many generous individuals, and sold an incredible number of raffle tickets. All involved in the 2017 Shed Fest unanimously agreed this event would become an annual fundraiser. The WCAHS website and face book will continue to post upcoming fundraisers and totals of the Fire Fund, which is now two thirds of the way to the goal of $50,000. Updates of the rebuilding decision and any temporary shelter information will also be posted on line or relayed by our supportive area newspapers and radio stations. The public interest is a compliment and reinforcement for those working on this rebuilding project. In memory: Donna LaPorte passed away June 26, 2017 and her family requested that donations be made to charities such as the Washburn County Area Humane Society in lieu of flowers. Thank you to Jody West, Merri Ann Gonzalez, Cynthia Stallings, Dan & Susan Sutton, and Dan & Carol Makosky of C & D Storage for their gifts.
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Thanks to all who came to the 2017 Food and Wine Tasting on April 27 at the Larsen Building in Spooner. There was a great turn out and we appreciate the wonderful support given to us by the Chamber, local merchants, and the public as we continue to work towards rebuilding our shelter!
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SECOND ANNUAL HAPPY TRAILS FOR HAPPY TAILS
Saturday, May 6, was a beautiful day for the second annual trail ride at Dugan Run Horse Trails to benefit the Washburn County Area Humane Society. The number of riders is growing each year as 34 horse and rider combinations took part this year with riders coming from as far away as Hastings, Minnesota, and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Prizes were awarded to Bonnie King from Green Bay for driving the farthest, to Jane Malischke who raised the most donations, and to T. J. Edwards for being the oldest rider. New this year was the “cram the crate” contest and raffle, which turned out to be a great success. The supplies collected will be used at the temporary shelter presently being operated along with the opportunity to store these supplies for the rebuilt shelter. Unlike the Kentucky Derby, which was also held on May 6, every horse and rider and person who was part of putting this Happy Trails for Happy Tails fundraiser together were first winners! |
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