Tuesday, July 26, 2011

The Little Committee that Could

Well, we did it.   And then some.  Thanks to you amazing, giving, compassionate, kitty and cat loving  folks, we were able to pool our funds and reach an astonishing total.   As it stands, we're at an incredible $66,104.25.   There's still money trickling too, so expect that total to rise a hair.  

Last year, we ended up just under $49,000 and the previous year, just over $23,000 so when you add that all together, we have raised over $138,000 for homeless cats and kittens in the past three years!    

That is SO much money.  SO much.

You are all so amazing, and I hope you understand how much your  love, commitment and support means to me.    Everyone at the shelter appreciates you so much too - they were all completely blown away by all that you gave.   During Dog-A-Thon, I heard so many nice words from the staff and volunteers. They were all so touched by your generosity - many moved to tears by it.    There's a very special and dedicated group of people working at the HS who care SO much about their shelter and the animals they care for .  You supporting the Humane Society means so much to them.

So, thank you for everything.

Thank you for giving so much, for posting our links,  telling your friends about the blog,  and asking them to donate.  Thanks for leaving nice comments and sending lovely and encouraging notes.   Thank you for caring and helping in so many ways.   Most of all, thank you for being so dedicated to the animals.

There are a few folks I would like to give a special shout out to...

TEAM IBKC - (Sarah, Shana, Katherine, and Cora)  Thanks for bringing in all those dollars that help put us OVER THE TOP this year! You ladies are awesome, and I appreciate all you do for the cats and kittens at the HS.

Marguerite - Thanks for always being so helpful, fielding all my questions, and bringing us cake when we  met our goal!

G - Thanks for lending your ear and giving support before, during and  after the fundraiser.  I appreciate your expertise so much.

Sue - Thank you for being the dear, supportive friend that you ALWAYS are.

Craig - Thanks for being such a sweet and supportive husband. Thank you for never complaining when other parts of our life got put on the back-burner during the fundraiser. Thank you too for the beautiful paintings you made, and gave. xoxoxo


Our auction winners - I know many of you had made donations already, and I appreciate your generous bids so much!  You all went above and beyond!


Our auction donors - A HUGE thank you to all the awesome artists who donated work to our fundraising auction:  Mari Voipio, Matte Stephens, Vivienne Strauss, Jay Bryant, Craig Miller, Patti Kahler, Jamie Shelman, Anne Bryant, Marianne Sao and Deborah Crump, Alicia and Tony of Chroma Lab, Jeane Gallo, Michaela Eaves, Annette Hicks, Hey Pais,  Amy Sprouse, Chloe and Boo,  Julie Kangas,  Betty Johnson, Eternal Knights Chainmail, Equos Designs, Julie Jackson , Modern Cat Studios , and Alexis Balkowitsch.     


And, of course, our dear friend Cynthia.


Honestly, I cant even begin to thank you for all that you have contributed to this fundraiser.   I appreciate your enthusiasm and generous spirt, your awesome sense of humor, creativity and your kitty-loving heart.  You gave in so many ways, and inspired many others to do the same.    We appreciate you so much.   We would of fallen way short of our goal without your generous donations.  


And Now, The Numbers:

Grand Total = $66,104.25
Online donations = $55,232.38
Offline donations = $936.64
Paypay donations = $150
Auctions and Art Sales = $8140.61
Team IBKC donations (Sarah, Shana, Cora, and Katherine's donations) = $1644.62


And our designated donation days:
Senior Cats (two days) $6759.43
Foster Program $3208.31
Emergency Food Bank = $2908.44
Spay and Neuter = $3204.03

We had a total of 926 donations averaging $59.65 per donation. 
Last year, there were a total of 880 donations. The average donation  was $42.59.  


Pretty outstanding, don't you think?  Honestly, I couldn't be prouder of us.    

Nice work, friends.

OK, are you ready?  

GROUP HUG!  

 Marguerite at the HS put a nice little video together of Dog-A-Thon, and as soon as it goes public, I'll share with you.  There's a nice little message to the community at the end, and an appearance by "Kisses" the kitten.  Stay tuned! 


That's it for now.  I'll be back later and show you what those darling Batsels are up to.  Also, a few more Dog-A-Thon pics.  


Thank you beautiful people.  I love you.

xoxo































29 comments:

  1. It says the Video is private.. is there another way we can view it?

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  2. yeah, same here - private...I NEEDZ CUTE VIDEOZ! :)

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  3. Laurie, I look forward to the fundraiser every year and you know this because I am the one pestering you in April about it. Thank you so much for letting me be an itty bitty part of it. To me, this is the best place on the Internet, hands down, because of the camaraderie and the grace, class, and compassion of all IBKC'ers. And the kitties. Let's not forget the kitties.

    I can't wait to see all of the good the money raised from this fundraiser does!

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  4. I can't wait to see the video once it's fixed! This has been such an exciting fundraiser--but then, they all have been!

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  5. Yay for IBKC and YAY YAY YAY for Laurie!

    hoping there is another link for the video 'cause the teaser picture sure looks cute!

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  6. Oh my, another fundraiser down! Congrats to everybody, PAWS UP! You're a force, Laurie, a squillion-raising force! Adding my love to everybody who gave and cheered.

    And hoping for a video soon. Must see Kisses!!!

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  7. OK, everyone.. the movie is working. Enjoy!

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  8. Awwwwww - that is such a great video (even though it went mostly to the dogs). Great Job Laurie and crew!

    Kisses is the cutest wee itty bitty!!

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  9. I have to admit I'm a bit teary here.

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  10. Thanks for everything you do, Laurie - you're one of the rare people who is an active force for good in our world. I'll be honest - I was worried about the outcome of the fundraiser because of the difficult economic times we're in right now. I'm so proud that everyone dug deep and came up with the money to help the most defenseless among us. Love, Amy

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  11. Thank you Laurie & Craig for fostering so many kittens and sharing them with us around the world. You and Miss Bean should be very, very proud! I made a matching donation to my local No-Kill Shelter, Animal Haven, North Haven, CT. My 2 Maine Coons are from shelters.

    Of course, you made me cry with the picture of Miss Teeny Tiny Kisses! So good to see good people doing great work. Thanks!!!!!

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  12. Geez - now mom is all choked up. :) What a great job you all do!! We are happy to be even a small part of it. Rock on IBKC - and kisses to Kisses. :)

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  13. Wowie zowie!! Those are *some* numbers. It's such a blessing to be a part of this amazing community. Thanks to Laurie for all your inspiration and super hard work, and to Marguerite for the nifty video. Long live the IBKC!!!

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  14. Aw gawd that video keels me. I had to get a tissue out. Happy animals + happy humans loving happy animals = heaven. You rocked the IBKC shirts! Also, KISSES! Must have more Kisses!

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  15. Thank you for doing this, Laurie. Not only do you bring joy into so many kitty-loving hearts, but you save so many lives through fostering and fundraising. Thank you for all you do.

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  16. Seeing all those happy puppy faces and of course team IBKC and Kisses you just can't help but cry happy tears!

    Thank you Laurie for all your incredibly hard work not only on this fundraiser but in making sure that every itty bitty kitty is loved and happy and has the best possible chance of being adopted into their loving forever homes. Whether it is the fosters that you personally look after or helping to provide what is necessary at the shelter to give them a great start in life you are the ultimate animal advocate!

    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this "little community". Me thinks it's not so little anymore! :)

    I also made a matching donation to my local shelter here in Ontario, Canada. My two fur babies were adopted from there.

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  17. Darn my leaky eyes...

    This is an amazing community and I believe it keeps getting better.

    Laurie, Craig & Charlene - you are all stars with huge hearts for the kitties and other furries. I feel privileged to be a small part of this community.

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  18. Anyone -
    What song is that and who is the artist?

    And another WOOT WOOT for Laurie, Craig,Bean, the Dearborns, the Batsels, Kisses, IBKC fans, the HS of Pierce County and even the dog walkers!!

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  19. @Cherie - According to youtube the song is "Upside down" by Jack Johnson

    Yay for Kisses, she's looking more grownup than when she manned the phone bank.

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  20. That video totally made me cry. YOU are such an inspiration!

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  21. I, too, have leaky eyes... Wow, IBKC raise over 25%!! I think I will start saving my change for next year and if the amount is worthy, will offer it up as a match!! Of course, Cynthia has set the bar on that at stratospheric levels!!

    Thanks to all who have a hand and/or paw in this. And Kisses, love me some Kisses and she is looking so grown up.

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  22. Thank YOU, Laurie -- for the little bits of sanity and smiles added to my day. AND for all your work with the fundraiser - even my oh-so-manly sweetie has been telling everyone about the phone set and kittens. :) Congratulations on all the squillions from me and Betsey!

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  23. Congrats Lurie... Well done and am soo happy for what you guys did.

    Was very gld to see a kitteh in the walk with a blue ribbon :) Did he/she walk too and not mind all those woofies? Maybe Charlene can walk next year? Did Kisses participate too?

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  24. Lita and the boys in MelbourneJuly 26, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    Lovely video! And Kisses is such a brave little girl. Didn't she and any other cats there get freaked by all the people and dogs? No? That's excellent. Well done everybody. :)

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  25. Thank you so much to Laurie, Craig and The Bean for all their fabulous and hard work on behalf of the animals we love!!! You guys rock!! I'm so flattered to be a part of the positive community that is IBKC!!!

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  26. Crying like a baby watching the video. Both times.

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  27. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who cried :)

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  28. What a successful fundraiser! Laurie, thank you for all you do and thanks to all those who donate and participate! Each and everyone of you are special!

    So many stated that they want to see more of Kisses. Well, I just WANT Kisses! :) W-A-N-T!!!! (She is getting bigger!!!)

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  29. Kisses has the best name ever.

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