MONROE - Stray dogs and cats have only to wait a little longer for their new adoption facility in Green County, thanks to a fund-raising boost from Colony Brands, Inc. in Monroe.
Representatives from Colony Brands and the Green County Humane Society announced Wednesday that the company has offered a grant matching up to $100,000 in donations until Aug. 1.
The GCHS board of directors is confident the remaining funds can be raised to reach its extended goal of $950,000 to build and equip a new 13,824-square-foot shelter, according to Tracey Pederson, GCHS vice president.
"This is a very caring community," Pederson said. "This will be a safe place where we can house our animals and find good homes for them."
GCHS plans to begin work on its 8-acre property at Pleasant View Complex on Wisconsin 81 just north of Monroe this spring. With nine months expected for construction, the organization hopes to move into its new home before the end of the year.
The new facility will provide space for GCHS to implement two new key elements to its services: Accepting surrendered pets and a community educational room for more successful pairing of animals with their new owners.
But, "we're not there yet," said Paul Barrett, GCHS president. "We're looking for an additional $200,000 to reach our goal to build this new shelter."
John Baumann, CEO of Colony Brands and co-chair of GCHS fund-raising committee, also announced Wednesday the project has so far received more than 500 pledges totaling about $750,000.
"This is a milestone marker in our history. We are in a good spot in our campaign," Baumann said, "and in a good position for the home-stretch run."
Baumann said he hopes the dollar-for-dollar matching grant from Colony Brands will push the project to its goal.
"We think it's important to take a role in community organizations and pride in our community," he said.
The new facility will replace a small aging building in Monroe, which the humane society has been using as a no-kill animal shelter since 1978. With a capacity for only 37 dogs and 125 cats, the building has little room for staff and storage.
"The new building will be a far cry from the run-down, cold and cramped shelter we currently call home," Barrett said. "It will include capacity for 66 dog runs and 175 cat runs, rooms for veterinary care, meet-and-greets and even a community education and multi-purpose center."
More information about GCHS and upcoming events is available online at www.greencountyhumane.org. Donations can be made through PayPal on the website. GCHS is a 501(c)3 organization.
Representatives from Colony Brands and the Green County Humane Society announced Wednesday that the company has offered a grant matching up to $100,000 in donations until Aug. 1.
The GCHS board of directors is confident the remaining funds can be raised to reach its extended goal of $950,000 to build and equip a new 13,824-square-foot shelter, according to Tracey Pederson, GCHS vice president.
"This is a very caring community," Pederson said. "This will be a safe place where we can house our animals and find good homes for them."
GCHS plans to begin work on its 8-acre property at Pleasant View Complex on Wisconsin 81 just north of Monroe this spring. With nine months expected for construction, the organization hopes to move into its new home before the end of the year.
The new facility will provide space for GCHS to implement two new key elements to its services: Accepting surrendered pets and a community educational room for more successful pairing of animals with their new owners.
But, "we're not there yet," said Paul Barrett, GCHS president. "We're looking for an additional $200,000 to reach our goal to build this new shelter."
John Baumann, CEO of Colony Brands and co-chair of GCHS fund-raising committee, also announced Wednesday the project has so far received more than 500 pledges totaling about $750,000.
"This is a milestone marker in our history. We are in a good spot in our campaign," Baumann said, "and in a good position for the home-stretch run."
Baumann said he hopes the dollar-for-dollar matching grant from Colony Brands will push the project to its goal.
"We think it's important to take a role in community organizations and pride in our community," he said.
The new facility will replace a small aging building in Monroe, which the humane society has been using as a no-kill animal shelter since 1978. With a capacity for only 37 dogs and 125 cats, the building has little room for staff and storage.
"The new building will be a far cry from the run-down, cold and cramped shelter we currently call home," Barrett said. "It will include capacity for 66 dog runs and 175 cat runs, rooms for veterinary care, meet-and-greets and even a community education and multi-purpose center."
More information about GCHS and upcoming events is available online at www.greencountyhumane.org. Donations can be made through PayPal on the website. GCHS is a 501(c)3 organization.