A $19K Gas Bill Had Us in Crisis Mode
Hundreds of animals took shelter in our facility through the polar vortex winter storm in February which resulted in a gas bill over three times what we had budgeted for. When we opened that bill, we panicked. The much-needed funds we were raising at Paws in the P.A.R.K. were supposed to help get us through the busy summer months when our shelter numbers skyrocket, but now it was looking like that money would be eaten up by one unexpected expense. We turned to you, our community, and your support has been immense. Not only have you donated money, but local artists have stepped forward to give unique pieces for our first ever art auction to benefit the animals. Warm Paws, Warm Hearts was born when local artist Kris Saia asked Grace Clinton of HHHS, “What can I do?” In less than two weeks, Grace pulled together this auction!
On Saturday, May 8th at 12pm, in the HHHS Hill’s Room at 5720 SW 21st St in Topeka, we’ll will be kicking off Warm Paws, Warm Hearts, which will be displayed through Sunday, May 16th.
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Kris Saia said, “I noticed the Facebook post about the shelter’s wildly high heating bill, and my heart just sank. I can’t imagine receiving such an unexpected blow to the budget. I usually have one or both of our HHHS dogs laying under my drawing table while I paint, and it occurred to me that maybe the Topeka art community could help. I talked to a couple of friends, who talked to THEIR artist friends. We reached out to Grace and are so pleased with how she pulled this show together in a jiffy!”
Grace Clinton, HHHS Director of Business Development and Special Events, said, “An essential part of providing care to lost and homeless animals is keeping them warm in the winter and cool in the summer; this fundraiser will help cover the cost of protecting hundreds of animals during the intense February winter storm. It’s so exciting to us that local artists want to band together and help such a vulnerable population. The quick response from our community has been astonishing!”
To bid on these art pieces online, visit http://e.givesmart.com/events/lP9 and register now to ensure you’re set to start bidding as soon as these pieces are up for auction. The art can be viewed in person during adoption hours (11:30am-6pm Monday-Saturday, 1-5pm Sunday) May 8th through the 16th. Online bidding will close at midnight on Monday, May 17th. More information about this event can be found in the Facebook event.