Nearly $7,500 was raised at the Humane Society of McDonough County (HSMC) latest – and newest - fundraiser, Comedy to the Rescue, Saturday evening at the Spoon River College Outreach Center.
Proceeds from the ticket sales will be used to support the HSMC's annual budget to provide shelter animals with specialized medical care and help with other shelter needs. According to HSMC President Bonnie Smith-Skripps, annually, an average of $20,000 is spent to help pay for the care of the shelter's 'residents.'
Other funds are used for the Angel Fund dollars given to McDonough County veterinarian clinics for their discretionary use in emergency situations, spay/ neuter initiatives, promotion of animals and foster care support.
Comedy to the Rescue was founded by Illinois stand-up comedian Clay Foley and is an ongoing series of stand-up fundraisers benefiting homeless pets. His Comedy to the Rescue initiative is a culmination of his years working in animal welfare and stand-up comedy. 'Comedy to the Rescue' tours the country to help animal welfare organizations raise needed funds, according to Foley's website, comedytotherescue.org. In addition to raising general operating funds, the society is also in the midst of its New Shelter Building Campaign. To date, close to $970,000 has been raised for the new McDonough County Animal Shelter. Recently, the City of Macomb agreed to lease land just east of the current shelter on Tower Road for the construction of the new shelter. At least an additional $500,000 may be needed to complete the project, Smith-Skripps noted.
The HSMC is a State of Illinois not-for-profit and a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All donations to the New Building Campaign (and the HSMC) are tax-deductible. For more information on the humane society (including how to donate), visit hsmcil.org.
Gifts can be made online or by check or cash.
