Pu’unene,
Hawaii (04/29/21): During
the month of April, 35 participants have been competing to fundraise in support
of Maui Humane Society’s Wags to Riches slumber party taking place on May
1st. The annual event has a new luxurious
twist that’s keeping everyone vying to be top dog. Maui Humane Society will be sending
shelter animals from the doghouse to the penthouse as the top fundraisers will earn
a VIP night with a shelter dog at Four Seasons Resort Maui, Fairmont Kea Lani
and Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort. Twelve additional participants will be
sleeping over at the shelter in kennels with a four-legged buddy who’s waiting
to be adopted. The event is the first for the shelter in 18 months due to
pandemic-related cancellations of in person gatherings.
“The fundraising on behalf of the
participants has been phenomenal, we’re so appreciative of their efforts. It’s
inspiring to see how committed our community is to the animals of Maui Humane
Society and the lengths to which individuals are going to encourage donations,”
stated CEO Steve MacKinnon.
In the case of Jamie-Sue West, a
long-time supporter and volunteer, this meant coming up with a unique idea to
catch the attention of her friends and family on Facebook. “How better to
promote that I’m fundraising for Maui Humane Society than by literally showing my
dedication,” said West. Last week West secured her position in the top three by
dying her hair teal, the signature color of the organization. “It really made
an impact, I even received donations from strangers who saw the photo and were
inspired to give. I’ve participated in the slumber party at the shelter for the
last two years and am ready to upgrade from the doghouse to the penthouse!”
The event will be live streamed on Maui
Humane Society’s Facebook starting at 6:00 pm and feature contestant
challenges, dogs painting and backstage interviews. The public is invited to
join in on a game of virtual cat and dog trivia at 9:00 pm via Zoom. Trivia will be hosted by shelter
Veterinarian Dr. Fitzpatrick and Hammy, a dog whose life she saved and
eventually adopted. Details can be found on http://www.mauihumanesociety.org/
Maui Humane Society is the only open
admission shelter on the island, accepting all animals in need. MHS cares for
over 4000 animals a year and offers low and no-cost spay and neuter services to
the public. Last year, Veterinary Staff performed over 5700 spay/neuter
surgeries and over 2000 Hope Fund procedures for animals who required medical
care beyond what is typically possible. Their lifesaving Wings of Aloha transfer
program and Foster program of over 400 local families is saving the lives of
over 2500 animals a year. During COVID, a community assistance program launched
to help feed and care for pets of those financially impacted by the pandemic.
To date, over 50,000 lbs of free pet food has been distributed. For more
information visit http://www.mauihumanesociety.org/
Contact:
Jenny Miller
Maui Humane Society
jmiller@mauihumanesociety.org
(808) 426-0124
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