The journey to Building Shelter, Building Community.
In 2012 we completed the 63 page IRS application for nonprofit status...a packet that for a few believers presented the opportunity for a new animal shelter. We wanted to find a way to finally replace a building 30 years past its expiration date in an economy not eager to sacrifice for animals. We guessed it would take many years and a lot of work.
From six people to thirty to four hundred to a whole community, support for this shelter has shown itself in many different ways. Filling out those forms, (along with the $850 application fee) led to CASI becoming a recognized 501(c)3, and the six now include you, the wonderful supportive people who have made it clear that Carson City needs a new animal shelter. Over the last 3 years CASI has hosted many fundraisers including wine tastings, fun runs, pooch plunges, bingo games and BBQs. Santa and the CCSO K9 Unit joins us for pictures, students at the high school and middle schools volunteer for service hours (and love for animals) and we celebrate Nevada Day in the parade with some of our furry friends. Next in line, selling engraved personalized bricks to line the shelter walkways!
The June 18th the Board of Supervisor's meeting presented another side of what is also a part of getting a new shelter built, the difficult process of moving forward with the budget to actually build a new animal shelter. Budgets are complicated and raising money, whether through private donations, grant requests, fundraisers and yes, taxes can be challenging. There have been many people who have shared their opinions, both positive and negative and thankfully, many people who have helped us make this project a reality for Carson City. We still have a lot of fund raising ahead of us, both for the initial donation, as well as the need to finish those portions of the building the approved budget is unable to cover.
Throughout all of this, I'm proud to say that CASI has listened, learned, and in the process gained an amazing ally with the Nevada Humane Society. Together we are Building Shelter, Building Community and Saving Lives. I'd say that 63 page application has proven to be a good move.
Lisa Schuette
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