LEE COUNTY - The PAW Animal Shelter raised $111,000 at a Monday fundraiser, but Director Sandy Brown said her goal is still $125,000.
That event was held at the shelter Monday afternoon, actually continues online for the rest of the week and she's hoping to raise an additional $13,000.
"Whatever we top out at at midnight on Sept. 5 is what we have. The more money we make the better chance we have at being top dog, and the more money that gets to the new shelter," Brown said Wednesday.
The animal shelter is currently in bidding out contractor work on a $6.8 million new facility that will be constructed just north of the current PAW shelter on 48th Street southwest of Fort Madison.
"We're currently at $112,000 and counting and now my appeal goes to all those people who I've bought cookies from and given donations too for all the other causes," she said.
Brown said the event was another successful collaboration with Jordan's Way. The founder Kris Rotunda came to the shelter in 2021 and helped raise close to $40,000.
Monday was Jordan's Way Day in Fort Madison proclaimed by Mayor Matt Mohrfeld.
Anyone who donated $50 or more the event this week, or prior can still pick up a Jordan's Way t-shirt at the shelter.
Anyone who hasn't donated or would like to add to the total can do so by Venmo, Paypal or at PAW Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Pawfortmadison.
Brown said the community came out in droves Monday with people and businesses stopping out with checks and getting a mention on the livestream. She said many businesses had it put out on their signs which helped drive people to the event.
The first goal for the event was $100,000 and Brown pushed that to $125,000 a week before the event. The group reached $100,00 at 12:06 p.m. Monday.
"It has been amazing. We had more than a few tears shed when we made our goal. It was really exciting. It affirms what we believe about this community, and what we know to be true about this community," Brown said.
"But I feel very strong that we can reach $125,000. The more we raise the faster we can get that shelter built."
She donations came in from all across the country including one Pennsylvania donor who offered up to a $10,000 match for all donations that came in.
She also thanks the Lee County Sheriff's Department for sending deputies to the event. Fort Madison Police Chief Mark Rohloff also appeared and hosed down some hot volunteers.
Brown said she was very proud of one moment when her granddaughter took up the one-chip challenge where she would eat a ghost pepper chip in exchange for donations.
"We couldn't find anyone to do it. My 14-year-old grandaughter said she would it and by George she did it. She never cried, threw up or anything and drank about 1/2 gallon of milk," Brown said.
"Very proud grandma moment."
Bids are out on contractors for the new shelter and the building has been ordered, Brown said. The property has been staked and a "Coming Soon" sign is at the site.
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