FOLCA Fundraiser Brings in Over $54,000 for New Animal Shelter Facility

Friends of Lawrence County Animals (FOLCA) raised more than $54,000 during its annual fundraiser, An Evening with Friends at Soulshine Farm, held Sept. 6 in Lawrenceburg. More than 200 people attended the event, which celebrated progress in local animal welfare and generated significant support for the new Dr. Dan G. Jennings Intake and Quarantine Center at the Lawrence County–Lawrenceburg Animal Shelter. Of the total raised, $47,330 will go directly toward the new center, while an additional $7,100 was donated to the Pick a Paw – Change a Life campaign, which covers medicine and spay/neuter services for shelter dogs. In a surprise gesture to close the evening, Bill and Peggy Legg sponsored all remaining dogs left on the board in honor of Dr. Jennings. FOLCA President Rosalind O’Steen Fort thanked community members, civic organizations, and local leaders for their support, noting that more than 225 dogs and puppies have been adopted or transported so far this year under the leadership of Shelter Director Ginger Morgan. She said the new facility will provide a safer start for animals entering the shelter system and carry forward Dr. Jennings’ legacy of compassion. The Jennings family attended the event and was recognized for Dr. Jennings’ contributions to both animals and people. Past President Leigh Ann Pettus also highlighted recent accomplishments, including $27,000 raised for new play yards and equipment, more than 1,500 spay/neuter surgeries completed through the county’s SNIPS program, and the launch of a youth education initiative reaching more than 650 students. A founding gift from Betty and Jim Bush helped launch the new intake and quarantine project, which aims to improve care for vulnerable animals arriving at the shelter. For more information about FOLCA or to support the Dr. Dan G. Jennings Intake and Quarantine Center, visit www.folcatn.org.