September 10, the Humane Society of Central Illinois hosted a three-hour Facebook Live featuring their own staff in collaboration with Jordan’s Way. In three hours, donors raised nearly $11,000 for the shelter.
The Humane Society of Central Illinois is a non-profit shelter that has been helping animals in Normal and surrounding communities since 1984. Volunteer Coordinator and Adoption Counselor Abby TenHaken shared information about the organization’s most recent fundraiser.
Jordan’s Way programs fundraisers for shelters in need across the country. Since 2021, they have helped raise over $9 million for over 300 American animal shelters. The organization was named after the CEO’s dog Jordan, who he had for 11 years and passed away from cancer.
Viewers on Facebook donated funds to help reach monetary milestones. When goals were met, shenanigans would ensue.
“Our executive director Nicole had to eat a waterbug. And we pelted the board of directors with water balloons. It was wild,” she said.
When asked if she knew how some of the funds raised would be spent, TenHaken said, “A good amount of it will go to providing emergency care for animals in need.” She said that some animals come to HSCI needing more than just a spay or neuter. Expensive medications and emergency surgeries can add up quickly.
After discussing the fundraiser, TenHaken gave a tour of the shelter. On the cat floor, TenHaken introduced the shelter’s longest-term resident feline: Liv.
“She’s been with us for over a year now. Liv is very independent, but not the cuddliest. She does get along with other cats.”
On the dog floor, several canines were waiting for loving homes. Some were outside enjoying the large run pens, while others were waiting their turn for afternoon walks with volunteers.
TenHaken said that if the IWU community is interested in supporting HSCI, students can take a volunteer class to be able to walk dogs. Students can also help around the shelter and at events. TenHaken suggested a donation drive is also tremendously helpful, as plastic poop bags, paper towels, bleach, and non-clump cat litter are the items that run out the most frequently.
HSCI will host a Trunk or Treat event in their parking lot at 423 Kays Drive in Normal on October 29. There will be a pet costume contest and they are lining up a photographer for portraits of pets and their people.
“Honestly, sending animals home is the best part about working at the shelter,” TenHaken said.
“Getting to know them and their personalities is so much fun. But when you see how happy they are with the right people, and seeing how happy the people are with them? There’s nothing else like that in the world.”
For more information about HSCI, visit at hscipets.org or call 309-451-1000.