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SPCA holds open house at new facility behind jail
Saturday, July 14, 2012
The Clearfield County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recently held an open house for its new facility on 21st Street in Clearfield, behind the Clearfield County Jail. The current shelter, located on Graham Station Road in Philipsburg, is too small and requires numerous repairs. Now the organization is asking for the community's support to finish the building before winter.
Construction began on the 9,000-square-foot building in April by Sabol Contracting, Morrisdale, and is located on five acres of land leased to the SPCA by the Clearfield County Commissioners.
"More than 25 years ago, then county commissioner, the late Harry Fred Bigler, wanted to provide this land for a new shelter, but those plans never came to fruition. How fitting that Mr. Bigler's nephew, current County Commissioner John Sobel, took the lead to make the dream a reality," said SPCA Executive Director Pam Smith. "We are grateful and applaud them for their leadership and vision."
Long-time SPCA supporters Tim and Margie Lanager provided $1 million to complete the site work and erect the building. Tim Lanager is a board member and the Lanagers underwrote the project in memory of their daughter, Jamie, who passed away in 2009.
"Animals were a very important part of Jamie's life and this building will stand as a loving tribute to her," Lanager said.
With the first phase nearing completion the SPCA board is kicking off a capital campaign to finish the interior, including kennels, cattery, offices, adoption rooms and other spaces. Monetary donations of any size are welcome, but the SPCA has also compiles a wish list of costs associated with each area of the shelter.
"We are hoping this approach will appeal to donors who have a specific memorial or honorarium in mind. For instance, a family that also lost a child contacted us to purchase something for the cattery in memory of their son, who loved cats," said Smith. Others have expressed a desire to memorialize beloved family pets.
"We will be thrilled to see plaques on every kennel, every wall and in every space of the new shelter proclaiming the community's generosity. It will be a beautiful and meaningful way to remember or honor loved ones." Smith said.
For more information or to request a wish list, contact Smith at 342-3810. Those interested in touring the new facility may call Beth Fulesday Hallstrom at 577-4018.
Clearfield County SPCA is one of the last open door shelters, meaning any animal in need is accepted for care and, hopefully, adoption. The SPCA takes in at least 2,000 animals each year. In 21 years, that has equaled 42,000 animals.
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