January News

ARK ANIMAL SANCTUARY NEWS
Lorraine Monfils and Mary Peabody

This year, 2010, was a very exciting one for The Ark Animal Sanctuary.

First we became a 501c3, and shortly thereafter purchased thirty seven (37) acres of land in a key location with plans for having this spot as our new AAS home. We had a cabin donated and moved it to this new land. A few months later we won the national CITGO fueling good contest, which gave the AAS 2,500 in gas cards. Daigle Oil generously matched the 2,500 in gas cards. We had six skylights and sliding glass doors donated, as well as 75 feet of chain link fence. We have been so very fortunate to have received so much support and recognition.

This year the Ark held 23 fund raisers, bringing in $13,737.27. Again we were fortunate to take in $13,867.67 in donations. Expenses for the year were $22,164.35.

Miracle on Mechanic Street, with the presentation of “Twelve Dogs of Christmas”, was a huge success. (visit our website www.arksanctuary.com to view ). It was just SO MUCH FUN! We actually had sixty six dogs and twelve little kittens for the performance. All dogs were so well-behaved, and thus not one single issue was encountered. I’ve never seen so many animals and animal lovers in one spot at the same time, and all with smiles! It certainly started the Christmas spirit for me!! That day we had five adoptions and raised over $1700.

We want to sincerely thank all of the volunteers for this fundraiser as well as our supporters. Without all of you this event could not have happened or been as successful as it was! Another big thanks to the students in Hodgdon at the Mill Pond School as well as Hodgdon High School. Both groups raised money for the AAS during the holiday season. Another very big thanks to Gloria Austin of the Pioneer Times for staying with our project most all of the day. She took many wonderful pictures!! You are all appreciated more than you can realize! Thank you all again for helping us to help the animals.

In 2010 we adopted 127 cats and 17 dogs. All of this was accomplished with only volunteers. There are NO paid employees. All monies came from fundraising and donations. We received no town or state funding, even though we were beset with urgent calls to take animals during the months that the Houlton Humane Society was closed. We did accommodate, and that time and care for those local animals that were in need came also from our own pockets.

Our building is still not operational, so we were able to accomplish all of what we have done this year without an actual location. All of our dogs and cats were and are presently in foster care.

May this New Year be a wonderful one for all of our readers and may it bring our paths closer together in the future. Thanks for reading our column.