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Starbucks Partnership Event with the Michiana Humane Society Inspires 157 Pet Lovers to Take Action

January 28, 2011

157 pet lovers, among them 35 volunteers and board members, attended the bustling Starbucks’ partnership event at the Michiana Humane Society (MHS) facility Saturday, January, 22nd. Attendees sipped FREE Starbucks’ drinks; visited the animals; and demonstrated their continued support of the MHS and its mission by taking a FREE awareness-raising poster with them to hang in the community. Personal contributions by Starbucks’ employees: Nikki Hanna, Fern Gorton, Kimberly Vela, Khaldoun Bataineh, Jessica Childress, Mary Garrett, Judy Stevens and Starbucks’ Shift Supervisor and long-time MHS volunteer Autuhm Muntean, allowed for 35 free Starbucks Gift Package drawings for those who pre-registered. Event-day FREE drawings included a one-year free membership to the shelter’s private, three-acre, fenced-in dog park (worth $150) won by Michigan City Indiana’s, Heather Smith. Dan Dunham, from Three Oaks, Michigan, won the $20 retail store gift certificate.

Karen Coffey, director of education and development, understands that awareness-raising campaigns are just as important as fund-raising campaigns. "It cannot be denied that without the annual MHS membership drive (February 14th through April 14th this year) caring for the hundreds of animals that come through our door each month would be more of a struggle. There are so many animals in need of new homes and we strive to adopt out as many as we can. Events specifically designed to raise community awareness help us meet that goal." Jennifer Westphal, director of shelter operations, agrees. "Raising community awareness allows us to better match the right pet, with the right owner, at the right time." When asked how the shelter inspired more than 150 people to track out into the brutally cold, snowy day to help, Coffey replied, "We set up a situation where people could visit a local animal shelter without feeling guilty. Instead of feeling bad for leaving the shelter without first adopting a pet, they left with a poster to hang. They felt empowered knowing they were making a difference." Then, laughing she added, "I’m sure the unlimited coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate donated by Starbucks didn’t hurt either!"

In addition to playing with the dogs, cats, bunnies and guinea pigs, attendees learned more about the link between child and animal abuse from Stepping Stone Shelter for Women, Inc.’s Executive Director, Gerry Jones. Gerry Muncy, New Buffalo, MI’s local "dog whisperer" was on hand demonstrating how a little professional training smake all the difference with Taz, one of the shelter dogs now trained and ready for adoption. The shoppers in the crowd were delighted when they learned they could purchase $5 Community Day Coupon Books from local MHS partner Ivy Tech Community College.

Because raising awareness is not a one-day event, the MHS staff invites everyone unable to attend the 22nd event to stop by the shelter, located at 722 Highway 212, to lend a helping hand. Their goal is to have all the printed posters hung by Valentine’s Day sending a clear message – This Valentine’s Day love your pet; support your animal shelter.