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“Like the general public, we are suffering from the economy,” said Animal Control Officer Linda Kippenberger.
Kippenberger said a new shelter is much-needed. The current, aging building is dilapidated, and many in town have been impressed by the professional look and design of plans for the new facility that were unveiled at the shelter’s fund-raiser in the fall of 2007.
But according to a letter to the editor in last week’s edition of the Milton Times by Milton Animal League President Nancy Bersani, the entire $1.5 million to $2 million of funding needed for construction must be in the bank before the new shelter project can begin.
“This is a daunting task, as unlike the Animal Rescue League and MSPCA, the Milton Animal League gets no endowments or million-dollar donations,” Bersani stated in the letter. “We rely on our loyal supporters and members who give what they can.”
Volunteers at the shelter for years have been dealing with patching leaking ceilings, taping up rat holes, and re-screwing door hinges at the deteriorating building.
“We are always finding ways to deal with our ongoing problems,” said Kippenberger.
The league recently ran a unique fund-raiser, instead of their annual silent auction event. It was a sort of “non-event,” asking simply for donations, as “one of the dogs ate the guest list.” The invitation asked for tax-deductible donations, such as $100 “to NOT have to sit next to someone you don’t like at one of these events” or $75 “to NOT have to buy a new outfit.” According to Kippenberger, the league brought in about $3,000 from the invitation, with some funds still dwindling in.
“It was probably not as much as we would have raised if we had held our usual event, but we didn’t want to run the auction while we were waiting to find out where we were going [for the relocation of the shelter],” Kippenberger explained. “We are still going to do something big.”
Kippenberger added that the league is always looking for volunteers to help on a fund-raising committee, to help with grant-writing, or with any other ideas to help raise the needed money.
“You know, it always falls on us, but we can’t do it all,” she added, acknowledging that the fund-raisers require many hands.
Currently the plans for the new building are on hold and may be scaled back a bit until more funding is solidified.
“We may need to cut down on our expectations,” Kippenberger said.
Those interested in volunteering at the shelter or making a donation can call (617) 698-0455.
Checks can be mailed to the Milton Animal League, 181 Gov. Stoughton Lane, Milton, MA 02186.