St. Joseph Animal Shelter receives generous donation from Optimum
By Jazmine Knight
The Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter received a generous donation from Optimum.
Optimum, a popular internet, phone and TV provider, gifted the shelter $1,000 dollars.
For Optimum, it was another opportunity to be involved in the community.
“It’s really pushing to make things feel hyper local,” said Optimum store manager, Caitlin Lemon. “And of course, the animal shelter is such a good organization to partner with.”
The money will go toward hosting more discount adoption events to help free up space at the shelter.
“We’ve seen a really big influx of kittens and puppies, especially over the last two years or so. During these warmer months we’re really full all the time,” said Aubrey Silvey with the St. Joseph Animal Shelter. “Anytime we have a chance to do something like this and make more space at the shelter, we’re just saving more lives.”
Silvey says the shelter is alway appreciative of partnerships like this one with Optimum. Since the shelter is oftentimes limited on resources and funds, this is a great way to give back to the pups.
During the check presentation event, the shelter also hosted a low cost adoption event.
“They’ve had kind of a puppy explosion, so they’re definitely in need of some adoptions,” said Lemon.
Pet adoptions were $25. However, Optimum customers could adopt a dog for free.
There were six dogs on display including Zombie and Griffin, who are two month old puppies. The shelter also brought some older dogs like Becky, a terrier mix and Carrigan, a pitbull.
“It makes me feel amazing just because I love working for optimum. But I also am from St. Joe, and I love St. Joe too,” said Lemon. “So kind of marrying them and being a part of the community and of course a good company.”
Optimum also partnered with The Outdoor Channel to hold a raffle for a portable grill, cooler, a lawn chair, gift card and more.
The Happy Belly food truck also made an appearance.
In the future, Optimum will be partnering with other local organizations like Parties on the Parkway and the St. Joseph Mustangs.
