Jasper County rescue league, Humane Society will host several fundraisers

The Jasper County Animal Rescue League and Humane Society is teaming up with two local businesses — Pizza Ranch and Hy-Vee Food Store — on a series of fundraising activities designed to provide the JCARL with important financial support, while a separate public campaign is being launched to help encourage pet adoptions from the League.

While the JCARL provides a host of services that benefit the local community and abandoned and stray animals, a primary objective of the organization is to find new, safe and loving homes for the many dogs and cats that are brought to the facility each year.

The traditional cold weather months have increased its cat population, so the League is also seeking financial contributions that will go toward the spaying and neutering of the resident felines. This more-innovative approach would significantly reduce upfront adoption fees, making them more affordable for prospective pet owners.

JCARL’s ‘Neuter or Spay a Stray’ Campaign

“With pet adoptions from our League, individuals are typically responsible for covering upfront fees that include the cost of spaying or neutering, if necessary,” said Emily Bostwick, director of Jasper County Animal Rescue League and Humane Society. “With our ‘Neuter or Spay a Stray’ campaign, we’re looking to raise funding through which we ultimately hope to alter all of our resident animals, thereby reducing overall fees and making pet adoptions a more economical and appealing option for area residents. Having animals altered during their stay at the League will also create a healthier and less-stressful overall environment for the animals.”

Individuals or groups interested in making tax-deductible financial contributions to the “Neuter or Spay a Stray” program may send checks to: JCARL, 5411 Liberty Avenue, Newton, IA, 50208.

Partnering with Pizza Ranch

In addition, the JCARL is partnering with Pizza Ranch on fundraising efforts to assist with the League’s general operating expenses. Staff, board members and volunteers from the League are currently selling special discount cards that can be used exclusively at the Newton Pizza Ranch location.

The “Round Up Ranch Cards,” available at a cost of $10 each, will provide customers with a host of food discount options, including buy-one-get-one-at-a-reduced-cost offers. The discount cards will be valid through August 31, 2012.

The Newton Pizza Ranch has also graciously agreed to conduct a “Tip Night” from 4:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, February 27, with all customer tips collected by League representatives working as wait staff during the four-hour shift directly benefiting the JCARL. In addition, 10% of all dine-in restaurant sales over $500 during that time period will be donated to the League.

Hy-Vee’s ‘Helpful Smiles’ Helping the JCARL

Newton residents are encouraged to save their returnable beverage cans and bottles for the JCARL “I Can Help” can and bottle drive that will be conducted on Saturday, March 3, and Sunday, March 4.

The returnable empties may be delivered to the League from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 3, and from noon until 4 p.m. on March 4. Cans and bottles may also be dropped off outside at the northeast corner of the Hy-Vee store from noon until 3 p.m. on March 3, and from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on March 4.

Later in March, Hy-Vee will be sponsoring additional in-store fundraising promotions and activities to benefit the JCARL — more details of those efforts will be announced in the near future.

For more information on donation, adoption and volunteering opportunities, please contact the JCARL at (641) 792-5407, or visit the League's website at www.jcarl.org.