For every $1 donated, group will give $2 more

The Freeborn County Humane Society has been invited to participate in a two-to-one-challenge match aimed at raising money for the organization’s expanded animal shelter.

Freeborn County Humane Society Director Christa Stieler said she received a call about the match from a representative of the Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation after news broke that the Humane Society was one of several entities to lose money in the criminal case against former Freeborn County Commissioner Linda Tuttle.

Tuttle faces felony theft and racketeering charges, alleging she used her title company, Albert Lea Abstract, to divert money to her own bank accounts for personal use. In the Humane Society’s case, they lost $150,000 that had been anonymously given to start a shelter expansion.

Stieler said a foundation representative told her he thought the Humane Society was a good cause to support, especially considering the loss it took.

She filled out a simple one-page grant application to the foundation, sent it off and found out it was approved.

Now, for every dollar people donate specifically to the Humane Society’s building fund through Dec. 11, the foundation will give an additional $2.

That means if someone gives $100, the foundation will give $200, making a total of $300 in donations.

Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 423, Albert Lea, MN 56007 or be dropped off in person at the shelter 101 James Ave., Albert Lea.

Money turned in for adoptions and memberships through the deadline will also be matched.

“Whether you love animals or not, there’s a strong need for a new shelter so we can serve the community,” said Nancy Rosenberg, Humane Society volunteer.

The shelter is filled to capacity and animals are sometimes having to be turned away, which is gut-wrenching, Rosenberg said.

So far, about $35,000 has been raised to replace the lost $150,000.

Humane Society leaders said they hope this challenge will fill in more of the void.

Stieler said the organization plans to put an insert into the Freeborn County Shopper in coming weeks to get the word out more about the match program. They are also putting up fliers and reaching out to other media outlets.

Rosenberg said she may be making a CD and a DVD with the animals to sell for more matching funds as well.

If people have questions they can contact Rosenberg at 402-2571 or call the main phone at 377-8501.