Humane Society Hopes for Donations Through Remodeling Sweepstakes

The economic downturn has not been friendly to charities like the Baltimore Humane Society, headquartered on Nicodemus Road in Reisterstown.

“Very few companies are doing anything to help charity groups,” Humane Society President Andrew Levine said. “Obviously, donations are down everywhere. We could certainly use the money.”

A Baltimore construction remodeling company is taking one step to help.

Welsh Construction Remodeling is celebrating 50 years in business by running a contest in which the winner earns $10,000 toward having their kitchen remodeled.

When contestants sign up, they are able to enter a dollar amount to donate to one of three local charities, including the Baltimore Humane Society.

For each donation, Welsh will tack on $5.

“I think it’s just an effort to make it a little less self-centered than a lot of the promotions you see,” said Jim Rafferty, vice president for sales and marketing at Welsh. “There are a lot of needs in the community.”

Rafferty admitted the contest and donations might earn Welsh some goodwill in the area, but Levine was adamant the company was earnest in its concern for area nonprofits. 

Levine made the arrangement with construction company President Joe Meyerhoff after the two were introduced through a mutual acquaintance.

“When times are hard, he’s willing to step up,” said Levine, who hopes Meyerhoff’s move might convince other companies there are ways to give to charities even when money is tight.

“The saddest part of it is people surrendering their pets because they don’t have jobs to take care of them,” he said. “Our shelter is full. We take care of all the animals we have.”

Levine said he hopes between $25,000 and $30,000 is raised through the Welsh Construction sweepstakes. The money will go directly toward caring for animals at the Humane Society, education and advertising.

“We’re hopeful people will step up and do good things,” Rafferty said.