BY JESSALYN KIRCHHOFF
Since the shelter’s Grand Opening on May 12, 1978, the Humane Society of the High Plains has had a mission to “foster the humane treatment of animals through education, human-animal relations, shelter, cruelty reporting and animal control.” .
Today, the shelter continues to expand in all of its operations. However, this continuous growth takes continuous funding. Although providing this funding is a daunting task, it is no more than a series of simple planned fundraising events for the Humane Society Helpers.
The Humane Society Helpers is an LDRS 310 Leadership Team within the Department of Leadership Studies here on campus. They have chosen the Humane Society of the High Plains as their community partner for the semester.
Geordan Hayden, one of the four team members for the Humane Society Helpers, spoke on the first activity that took place over FHSU’s Homecoming weekend.
“Our first event was held at the Fort Hays State University Homecoming football game. We sold tickets for a 50/50 raffle in which we raised a gross profit of 259 dollars,” Hayden said. “The proceeding funds that were raised from the 50/50 raffle will go towards the medical bills for the animals that come through the Humane Society.”
The Humane Society Helpers have also set out donation boxes in conjunction with their main projects. The donation stations are open until November 15th. They are located at Dollar Tree and the Big Dillons on Vine street.
The next fundraising opportunity for High Plains will take place tomorrow evening at the Defiance Brewing Co. Taproom located at 2050 Old Hwy 40 in Hays. According to the Humane Society of the High Plains website, at this year’s annual Paws & Pints fundraiser, “you and your dogs will have a ball listening to good music, drinking cold beer and socializing with the other pups about town.”
There will be a $5 entry fee per dog. The first 50 dogs will receive a free bandana, sponsored by 8th St Liquor, to wear as an extra bonus. Dogs will be allowed both inside and outside the taproom. However, as safety is the main priority, the Humane Society asks for everyone to please keep their dogs on leash and under control during the entirety of this event. The evening kicks off at 4:00 pm and will wrap up around 8:00 pm with live music from Tree Kitty from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
The final event scheduled for the Humane Society Helpers is their Howl-o-ween Paws and Treats which will take place at the Humane Society of the High Plains on Saturday, October 29, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Hayden gave some insight into what the event is as well as the reasoning behind hosting it at the shelter.
“This fundraiser is designed to welcome previous community members back to the Humane Society while also bringing in new community members,” he said. “Our goal is to be able to show everyone how and what goes on inside the walls of the shelter. In preparation for this fundraiser, we have been inviting local businesses/organizations, big and small, to participate.”
The Humane Society Helpers encourage all personnel who show up to this event to wear a costume and dress their dog or cat in a costume as well. There will be a prize for the best owner and pet costume.
Hayden then emphasized the importance of these fundraising events and their success.
“These events are vital to the success of the Humane Society in light of the fact that they need our help to get through this upcoming winter,” he said. “By getting enough funds to either buy pet food or get enough donations, we are hopeful to meet our goals for the society.”
More information about the events and how to help can be found on their website https://hshponline.org/