Shelter’s Edge

Earlier this week we announced the 50 contestants in 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. Over the next five weeks, we’ll be introducing you to the contestants as they hone their strategies for the start of the race.

First up, meet our mighty contenders representing the best of the West Division.

Animal Friends of the Valleys, Wildomar, CA

What makes them a tough contender: “A supporting governing board, an executive director who’s made a positive impact in the community for 25 years and a community that recognizes that impact.”

Animal Friends Rescue Project, Pacific Grove, CA

According to ARFP, they recruited some new Challenge supporters at their recent parade.

“We have the skills, the strength and the support of our community to make us the best pound-for-pound Challenger.”

Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode, Diamond Springs, CA

Looks like the self-proclaimed “little group that could” can, can, can!

What they’ll bring to the Challenge: “We save the most animals using the least amount of resources.”

Canyon County Animal Shelter, Caldwell, ID

Paulina & Jenetta are happy to take home an empty CCAS van after a good day at an off-site adoption event.

“We want to save as many animals as possible and will stop at nothing until we meet our goals!”

Escondido Humane Society, Escondido, CA

Says EHS, “Every animal deserves a second chance for a new life where they are loved and cared for.”

What makes them a tough contender? “We shelter over 5,000 animals a year with the help of 800 volunteers, 53 staff.”

Greenhill Humane Society, Eugene, OR

Rockin' volunteers at Greenhill Humane

“We are tirelessly committed to our mission of helping homeless animals, and won’t stop until we’ve helped them all.”

Humane Society of Central Washington, Yakima, WA

“Our staff, volunteers and community are committed to making this year the most successful for homeless pets in our 108-year history.”

Kern County Animal Control, Bakersfield, CA

KCAC told their Facebook fans: “THANK YOU to everyone that has voted for us in this competition. Your support means the world to us as we continue on this long, rewarding journey to help save more lives!”

What makes them a tough contender: “Our staff and volunteers have heart and vision to make a difference for animals through education, compassion, enforcement and community partnership.”

Marin Humane Society, Novato, CA

MHS scored more than 20 Facebook “likes” with this photo and caption: “Gumdrop is so tired from the excitement of the gala this weekend and the $100K Challenge, she's taking a little cat nap.”

What they’ll bring to the Challenge: “MHS has a history of initiating innovative programs and advocating for all animals, which is one reason for our consistently high adoption and redemption rates.”

Nevada Humane Society, Reno, NV

Taken at NHS' recent Mardi Paws parade, during which these shelter dogs got to dress up and strut their stuff for potential adopters.

What they’ll bring to the Challenge: “Widespread and enthusiastic regional support for our mission to make Washoe County a no-kill community.”

San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control, San Bernardino, CA

Here comes Trouble, a Lab/Weimaraner mix brought to SBCACC as a 10-day-old pup who grew up to become staff visitor greeter.

Their not-so-secret weapons for rocking the Challenge? “We have over 100 qualified non-profit animal rescue group partners who support our adoption efforts!”

Come back next week to meet the contestants representing the South Central Division.

Related Links:
The 50 Challenge Contestants
About the Challenge Divisions

Tags: $100K Challenge, Grants, Saving Lives, volunteers

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.