Faithful Friends seeks to match 100K donation

By Shavonne Potts

spotts@salisburypost.com

The biggest goal right now for Faithful Friends is to match a $100,000 donation that was given to the future no-kill animal sanctuary late last month.

"We've been challenged by our donor to match the money," said President Mary Padavick.

In addition, the group just received a $5,000 check a few days ago, Padavick said.

The dollar amount doesn't matter said board member Shannon Moore.

Various civic groups, schools or other organizations host events and donate the money to the no-kill shelter.

This would be Rowan County's first no-kill shelter for abandoned or abused cats and dogs.

The 5,300-square foot facility on Grace Church Road will have 34 dog kennels and space for up to 50 cats. The building will be surrounded by walking trails, a memorial garden and pet cemetery and a dog park.

Since 2007, the community has come together to host fundraisers to raise money for capital and operational expenses.

Right now, the group has about $409,000 in cash and about $200,000 in land equity. The land was donated to the group.

Faithful Friends is now at the point where it's time to advertise for bids.

"We hope by the summer we can announce who the contract is awarded to," Moore said.

It's hard to estimate when construction can begin. Padavick and Moore agree it depends on the contractor, but they both hope the shelter will be operational in 2011.

Padavick said if people can't donate money or food for the shelter, their time is needed as well.

"Whatever they can give," Moore said.

On Saturday, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Country Porch Cafe in Gold Hill is donating part of proceeds raised from a Mother's Day portrait session to Faithful Friends. The restaurant is located on Liberty Road. The portrait session is for children, families and pets.

Faithful Friends will host a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 15 at the former K-Town Furniture store on East Innes Street, which is owned by St John's Lutheran Church.

Anyone who has items to donate to the sale can drop them off from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 8-10 and from 4 to 7 p.m. or by appointment May 11-14."Last year it brought in $10,000," Moore said.

Padavick said shelter volunteers will provide presentations to any group interested in learning more about Faithful Friends. For more information about upcoming fundraisers, call Shannon Moore at 336-782-6197.