Winter Campaign a Success!
Thank you to the many generous folks who have donated to the Society to help fill our hay loft and provide for the animals living at the farm. In February we began our “Buy a Bale” campaign, setting a goal of $100,000 to help pay for the 90 bales of quality horse hay the MSSPA needs each day. Animal supporters and horse lovers near and far responded to that appeal. Our goal has been met and exceeded -- a very gratifying $107,450.00 has been raised.
Joining the hundreds of individual donors in giving for the support of rescued animals were several private foundations and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (The ASPCA also gave significant financial support to the 2008 Animal Well Fair held at the farm last October.) On behalf of the animals, the staff and Board of Directors of the Society thank each person who donated to the “Buy a Bale” campaign through our website, through the mail, or in person at the Society’s River Road farm in South Windham, Maine.
In addition, special thanks go to the other organizations such as the ASPCA whose missions are so harmonious with that of the Society. The mission of the ASPCA, as stated by Henry Bergh in 1866, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.” The mission of the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals is to prevent cruelty to animals in the State of Maine and elsewhere; in addition, the Society directs its finances and efforts toward helping animals, not destroying them (animals taken into the Society are not destroyed unless terminally ill or inflicted with incurable suffering), works on the fundamental causes of animal problems; works for the enactment and enforcement of laws for the welfare and protection of animals. The MSSPA cooperates with the proper authorities in accomplishing the arrest, conviction and punishment of persons violating these laws; supports the humane treatment, care, training and use of animals; promotes an understanding, appreciation and respect for animals by humans, and works with other groups locally and nationally for the purposes of animal welfare.
We also recognize the creativity and generosity of the advertising agency Right Hat, LLC. Under the leadership of Cape Elizabeth resident Elonide Semmes, the Boston-based agency (donating their work) created the Delilah ad. The ad, which first ran in the Maine Sunday Telegram on Sunday, May 31st, evoked a tremendous response from readers and helped to boost hay campaign totals. Many readers not only donated money to the hay fund, but also visited the farm; some even offered to adopt Delilah. Although the Society does adopt horses to community members, Delilah, who is just beginning her formal training, is not yet ready to be considered for transition to a forever home. She and the other horses living at the Society’s River Road farm do welcome the public each day, including weekends and holidays, between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Right Hat, LLC, 318 West Second Street, South Boston, MA 02127;T. 617 464 2500 ext. 205; M. 617 416 8246 righthat.com
At New England’s largest equine rescue and rehabilitation facility, the challenges of meeting the daily needs of rescued large animals continue. Each year, the MSSPA receives into its care large animals who have been abused and neglected. When Maine law enforcement agents seize those animals from their former owners, the animals are placed with the Society for rehabilitation and when appropriate, re-homing. The Society, which is a private, non-profit agency, functions as Maine’s large animal shelter and does not receive funding from any local, state, or federal agency. All of its annual multimillion dollar budget must be raised. Despite the ever-present pressure to raise money for the operation of the facility, today the animals and staff invite you to celebrate with us. Together we have raised enough money to purchase an entire year’s worth of hay. It couldn’t have been accomplished without the compassion and generosity of everyone who contributed to our “Buy a Bale” campaign.
Candy says, Thank you!”