Over the past month, we’ve been introducing you to the fierce, formidable competitors getting ready to take the 2012 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge. From August 1 through October 31, these agencies will be pulling out all the stops to save more dogs and cats than they did during the same time last year. You’ve met the contestants from the West, South Central, Southeast and North Central Divisions—this week, give it up for the agencies representing the fifth and final Northeast Division.
Animal Friends, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA
This pic, along with a simple (i.e. SMART) question — "What is your pet doing right now?" — got a whopping 109 comments on Facebook.
What makes them a tough contender: “Since our founding in 1943, Animal Friends has been revolutionizing animal-focused programming throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.”
Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center, Pittsburgh, PA
"Many thanks to the vet-tech volunteers from Sanford-Brown for helping out our medical department today!" wrote ARLSWC.
What makes them a tough contender: “We help all domestic and wild animals in need regardless of species or breed.”
Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, Baltimore, MD
"We have an extremely dedicated group of staff members and volunteers that will do whatever is necessary to win the competition!" says BARC.
What BARC wants to tell their community: “Please help save lives; spay and neuter your pets!”
Bangor Humane Society, Bangor, ME
Great Facebook cover photo broadcasting that BHS is in it to win it!
What they’d do with $100K: “If we win the challenge, we will reinvest the money into developing and strengthening our community outreach programs to expand offsite adoption opportunities, grow our foster care family and increase our collaborative partnerships with community organizations to encourage pet adoption.”
Eleventh Hour Rescue, Randolph, NJ
CLEVER! EHS posted this photo on Facebook seeking a foster home for Leroy, pictured here.
“Our slogan is that we cannot stop, and we will not stop until all of the cages are empty. This defines our mentality down to the core.”
Humane League of Lancaster County, Lancaster, PA
These guys know how to throw a party, like the recent 2nd annual birthday bash/benefit for Leo, a six-year-old poodle who was rescued from a puppy mill and now gallantly represents the Humane League at community events.
How they’d use the $100K: “We would use the grant funds to implement the most effective programs we learn about during this Challenge to save even more lives.”
Last Chance Ranch, Inc., Quakertown, PA
What makes them a tough contender in the $100K Challenge: “We rescue not only the more easily adopted pets, but also older and hard-to-place dogs and cats.”
Montgomery County Humane Society, Rockville, MD
MCHS' secret weapon during the Qualifying Heat
How they describe themselves in 3 words: “Progressive open admission”
Talbot Humane, Easton, MD
What makes them a tough contender: “Talbot Humane has been helping animals in Talbot County, Maryland, since 1932. For 80 years our goals have been to rescue companion animals from cruelty and neglect, place them into loving homes, reunite lost pets with their owners and reduce pet overpopulation through aggressive spay/neuter programs.”
Pennsylvania SPCA, Philadelphia, PA
We love PSPCA's Vintage Pet Month promotion (happening now!), during which they're singing the praises of senior pets and offering reduced-fee adoptions.
How they describe themselves in 3 words: “Strong, Dedicated, Progressive.”
Related Links
The 50 Challenge Contestants
“Up for the Challenge, Part 1: Meet the 2012 Contestants”
“Up for the Challenge, Part 2: Meet the 2012 Contestants”
“Up for the Challenge, Part 3: Meet the Contestants”
“Up for the Challenge, Part 4: Meet the Contestants”
