DOUBLE YOUR DONATION

SSPCA Benefactress To Match

Gifts Up To Total Of $250,000 

By LIBBY CUDMORE • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com

HARTWICK SEMINARY – When it comes to taking care of animals, Stacie Haynes never gives up.

“Stacie approached me multiple times about fundraising,” said Anita Vitullo, Staffworks president and Susquehanna SPCA benefactress. “She was tenacious! But I was happy to help.”

On Tuesday, April 30, Vitullo and Haynes announced a $250,000 gift to the $2 million “Shelter Us” campaign to build a new expanded shelter building on the lot across from Smith Ford on Route 28, south of Cooperstown.

But there’s a catch.

“This gift is a challenge grant,” said Haynes. “Through Oct. 1, any grant given to us will be matched. If you give $5, she’ll give $5, and we get $10. And if we can generate $250,000 in donations, we get $500,000 towards our capital campaign.”

Donations can be made online, by mail or, ideally, in person. “We love when people stop in to bring a donation and tell their stories,” said Haynes. “And then when they come visit in our new building, they can see the difference their donation made.”

The new shelter will have a surgical suite, separate entrances for adoptions and surrenders, and rooms where potential families can meet and play with animals to find the best fit for their pet.