The Rachael Ray $100k Challenge Kicks Off In June
The ASPCA Rachael Ray $100k Challenge kicks-off on June 1st. The $100K Challenge is a contest in which 50 animal shelters across the country compete to break their own records saving the lives of animals. Throughout the months of June, July and August 2014, each competing animal shelter must save more dogs, cats, puppies and kittens than they did during the same three months in 2013, according to their website.
One these 50 shelters will win the 2014 Rachael Ray $100,000 Challenge grand prize. Shelters can still earn an additional $500,00 in prize grants. This is the 5th and final year for the nationwide competition. In the weeks to come, these competing animal shelters will be calling on their communities to rally behind them to help save animal’s lives. Many will be hosting events to drive adoptions.
Gwinnett County, GA Animal Shelter – Working Hard To Save Lives
Russ Boles of Wagbrag.com spoke with Jackie Nguyen, Rescue and Adoption Coordinator at the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter in Georgia – one of this year’s shelters selected to participate in the challenge. “A few years ago our euthanasia rate was about 60%.” Jackie said. “But then came a change of management and a renewed effort to save lives. In 2013, the euthanasia rate dropped to approximately 30%.” They hope that with the chance of winning, they could lower their euthanasia rate even more.
We asked Jackie – if you were to win, how would you spend the $100,000. Jackie explained, Gwinnett County Animal Shelter would invest in a mobile unit so they could provide low cost spays/neuters and other health services for citizen’s pets. The mobile unit would also aid with pet adoptions and with community outreach. Currently, transporting several dogs and cats to offsite adoption events is difficult. But with a large mobile unit, they could bring many more animals to these events – that additional exposure would help increase the likely hood that these animals will find a forever home. Community outreach will be a critical component, if they hope to lower their euthanasia rate. Jackie said they are committed to reaching out to the public and educating people how to be responsible pet parents. By promoting the benefits of spaying and neutering (and dispelling any associated myths), Gwinnett County Animal Shelter is dedicated to saving animals life’s.
Gwinnett County’s Fun Run And Kick Off Festival – June 1st
5K Run & Kitty Crawl 1 Mile Fun Run
When: June 1, 2014 • 7:30am
Where: Tribble Mill Park
2125 Tribble Mill Parkway in Lawrenceville
Proceeds to benefit the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter. For more details on registration and fees, visit: www.gwinnettanimalcontrol.com
Kick Off Festival
After the race, come celebrate the shelter’s kick off of the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm at the shelter
Location: 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville, GA
This celebration will include activities for kids, food vendors, and animals for adoption.
For more information, visit www.gwinnettanimalcontrol.com
Photo: Thinkstock