CCHS to Launch Capital Campaign
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
December 23, 2014
CCHS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TO KICK OFF IN JANUARY
The Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS) is pleased to announce their 2015 “More Than a Shelter Capital Campaign”, which aims to raise enough funds to support their building and renovation project. This project will expand the shelters ability to better the lives of the animals that are brought into CCHS.
The campaign will kick off January 9th at a private event to be held at the Jamestown Renaissance Center. The date is of special significance to CCHS, as that day will also mark the celebration of their 110th birthday.
The building and renovation project is expected to break ground in late spring 2015 and will be conducted in two phases. Phase one will include a 2,000 square-foot expansion to provide space for a new canine communal housing program, effectively doubling CCHS’ canine capacity. The method of communal housing allows dogs the opportunity to live together in a well supervised environment, based on their play group personality types, rather than being isolated in a kennel. The arrangement reinforces their natural instincts, allowing them to be happier, healthier and more content while living in a shelter setting.
Phase two renovates specific areas of the current Strunk Road facility by adding an additional surgery room and prep room and expanding the recovery room. Redesigns will also include a new visitor welcome area with three private adoption stations and better access to the get acquainted rooms. Police and animal control officers will have 24-hour access and will now deliver stray and lost dogs to the facility. The remodel will use existing space more efficiently, increasing the space for community education and events and allowing for a more positive adoption experience.
“Our ‘More Than a Shelter Campaign’ is symbolic of what we at CCHS are trying to achieve in the years moving forward,” said CCHS Executive Director, Jeffrey Lubi. “We wanted to express to our community that we are much more than just an animal shelter. We are dedicated to engaging the community to solve the problems that exist physically and emotionally for these animals.”
Thanks to the generous support of many donors, including an $183,000 grant from the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) as part of the state-wide Animal Population Control Program and an additional $170,000 grant from The Lenna Foundation, the campaign has already raised more than $500,000 of the $750,000 necessary to support the project.
”The ASPCA is proud to support CCHS in their efforts to bring positivity and progressiveness to caring for the animals in their community,” said Jill Van Tuyl, community initiatives director at the ASPCA. “We look forward to seeing how these projects improve the lives of the animals who come through their doors.”
For more information on CCHS and their capital campaign, visit spcapets.com or call Hannah Braun, Community Relations Coordinator at 716.665.2209 ext. 213.
The mission of the Chautauqua County Humane Society is to promote the adoption of animals, prevent all forms of animal cruelty and neglect, shelter lost, abandoned and homeless animals, and to provide education about the humane treatment of animals.