After hearing about the loss of money for a shelter addition at the Freeborn County Humane Society, the Albert Lea High School class of 1955 has come together to raise money for the shelter.

Having just had its golden reunion in October, the class wanted to choose a project that would have a lasting impact on the community.

They raised more than $1,100 for the shelter; however, since the money was donated during the timeframe of a challenge grant from the Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation, those funds will actually be matched two more times — meaning the Humane Society will actually get more than $3,300 as a result of the project.

The challenge grant goes through Saturday.

It came after the Humane Society found out it lost $150,000 that had been given to the nonprofit organization by an anonymous donor toward a shelter addition. The money was allegedly diverted from former Freeborn County Commissioner Linda Tuttle’s company, Albert Lea Abstract, to deal with her reported gambling debt.

Numerous businesses and individuals have stepped forward to help recover the loss.

Part of the class of 1955 on Tuesday presented the money to Nancy Rosenberg, a volunteer with the Humane Society.

Donate

To donate to the Freeborn County Humane Society as part of the challenge grant by The Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation, people can mail donations to P.O. Box 423, Albert Lea MN 56007 or drop them off in person at the shelter at 101 James Ave., Albert Lea. The grant goes through Saturday.