$100K Goal, $129K Raised
Susquehanna SPCA Exceeds
Grant-Matching Challenge
COOPERSTOWN – The Susquehanna SPCA fundraisers didn’t just meet the $100,000 challenge proposed by the C.J. Heilig Foundation.
They exceeded it.
On Sept. 16, the C.J. Heilig Foundation announced a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge grant of $100,000 to assist the SQSPCA in its Shelter Us capital campaign to help build a new animal shelter.
By the Friday, Nov. 1 deadline, donations and pledges generated by the Heilig match had topped $129,000, exceeding the goal and – with the match – bringing the SQSPCA $229,000 closer to its campaign target.
“We are incredibly grateful for all of the business and community support we have received thus far,” said SQSPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes. “The campaign continues to gain momentum, and support for the new shelter continues to grow.”
The SHELTER US project – kick started by a $500,000 state Companion Animal Capital Fund Grant through the Department of Agriculture & Markets – will move the shelter and thrift store facilities 1.2 miles north of the current location on State Route 28 between Cooperstown and Oneonta. Workers broke ground in August, with a target date of summer 2020 for the move.
The new facilities will improve the daily lives of sheltered dogs and cats by better conforming to guidelines established by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Upgraded features will include two entrances separating incoming animals from visitors and animals leaving for their new homes, a sterile surgery suite with safe recovery area, a fresh air ventilation system to benefit visitors as well as animals under shelter care, and more convenient parking.
