Humane Society to hold telethon on Saturday 26
By Matthew Whittle
Published in News on January 20, 2008 12:29 PM
Just a little more than a third of the way to its fundraising goal, the Wayne County Humane Society is hoping that for most people, Saturday night will be a quiet one because its members have already made plans.
Eager to continue its forward momentum, the society will host a telethon on PACC-10 T.V., from 7 to 10 p.m., Saturday, to help raise money for the new Wayne County Animal Adoption and Education Center.
So far, the society has raised about $56,000.
Its goal is $150,000 -- the amount it pledged when the county Board of Commission-ers approved the construction of the new shelter on Clingman Street in August.
"We're really quite impressed," said society vice president Jean Hollowell of the efforts so far.
Considering that the group didn't really start raising money until October and that its biggest fundraisers have yet to hit their stride, Mrs. Hollowell said she is confident the group will reach its goal.
Among the group's efforts so far are Pennies for Puppies projects in the county schools, a wine-tasting benefit and a mini blues concert.
Also recently begun is the sale of black granite memorial pavers that can be purchased and installed along a memory walk at the new shelter for $125 each. Examples can be seen on the society's fundraising Web site, www.wchsfundraisers.org. They can be purchased on the Web site or by check or money order made payable to the Wayne County Humane Society at P.O. Box 54, Goldsboro, NC 27533.
Other future fundraisers will include corporate sponsorships of rooms and areas inside the shelter, as well as the sale of the society's "Dare to Bare: Petals and Paws" 18-month calendar, featuring prominent and well-known women in the community.
Another fundraiser is the ongoing head-shaving campaign, featuring Ms. Hollowell, vice president Barrett Parker, board member Frances Gooden and county Manager Lee Smith -- each of whom will get his or her head shaved upon reaching the $12,500 mark.
Money for that project is being collected at Hollowell & Benton, PA Attorneys, at 130 S. John St., and at HealtHabit Natural Foods and Wines, at 606 N. Spence Ave. Licensed barbers and hairstylists interesting in bidding on the chance to do the shaving should contact Carla Griffin at 734-3747.
So far, though, nobody has reached even the halfway mark -- a fact that Mrs. Hollowell is hoping the telethon will help change.
In addition to appearances by the four contestants, Dr. Stan Griffith, a local veterinarian, will share advice and answer questions during the telethon. Local dog trainer C.C. Hawkins will demonstrate various training techniques throughout the evening.
Other attractions will include county Animal Control Director Justin Scally and several adoptable animals from the shelter, as well as several musical guests.
"There's a whole lineup of people and a lot of stuff going on," Ms. Hollowell said. "It's going to be entertaining. It's going to be a nice way to spend the evening with the family."