ASPCA 100K Rachel Ray Challenge

Oakland County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center

Takes Aim at Winning the ASPCA 100K Rachel Ray  Challenge By Saving More Animals Than Any Other Shelter in America

“Community Support & Involvement Needed”

Auburn Hills, MI. April 28,2014---The Oakland County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center is calling on the community---individuals, businesses, churches, civic, community and charitable organizations---to get behind the Auburn Hills shelter’s major push to adopt-out as many animals as possible in 2014.

The impetus behind this initiative is due to the prominence the Oakland Pet Adoption Center has been accorded in being one of only 50 shelters, out of more than 3,500 nationwide, to have been selected to compete in the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(ASPCA) 100K Rachel Ray Challenge. The contest’s main goals are to attract volunteers, engage the community and, most importantly, save the lives of animals.

Oakland County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center has chosen the theme “2,014 in 2014,” which represents the number of cats, kittens, puppies and dogs the shelter hopes to save during the months of June, July and August compared to the same period in 2013 by waging a multi-faceted and energized pet adoption effort. The ASPCA will award $100,000 to the shelter that shows the most improvement in saving animal lives. 

“ Our goal is to adopt out more animals in June, July and August of this year than we did during the same three month period of 2013,” said Joanie Toole, administrative supervisor. “ To reach our target of saving 2,014 animals, we will need to double the 1,000 dogs and cats that were adopted over the same time span last year. It’s an awesome challenge, but everyone at the shelter is focused on making it happen.”

The ASPCA will award cash prizes for success in other categories such as Best in Division, Most Improved Player, Community Engagement etc. The shelter which does the most effective job of getting the community involved in saving more canine and feline lives will earn a $25,000 cash award.

“ Volunteers and foster families are an integral part of our strategic plan to give the animals which come into our shelter the best quality of life possible,” said Robert Gatt, division manager of the Oakland County Animal Control & Pet Adoption Center, “ Without their committed involvement we would not be able to carry out our mission of saving the lives of as many animals as possible.”

The first phase of the grant challenge began March 1 with the implementation of a totally revamped volunteer program that expanded the number and variety of opportunities for people who want to get involved in helping out at the shelter.

 The shelter has scheduled a series of adoption events this summer:

Father’s Day Bow Wow       Rescue Me Saturday      

June 14, 2014, 10am-4pm      June 28, 2014, 10am-4pm  

Certified Pre-Owned Cat Adoption Stray Dog’s Got Talent

July 12, 2014, 10am-4pm July 26, 2014, 10am-4pm

Dog Days of Summer and Cool Cat Nights

August 9, 2014, 10am-4pm

People interested in following the progress of the shelter’s aggressive adoption effort can do so by visiting oakgov.com/petadoption or facebook.com/oakgov.opac. Additional information about upcoming events and volunteering is also available on the shelter’s website. You can also call the shelter at (248) 391-4100 or visit the facility which is located at 1700 Brown Road, Auburn Hills, MI. 48326.

For media inquiries only, please contact Joanie Toole, administrative supervisor at (248) 391-4100.

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