The Wisconsin Humane Society has received a $500,000 challenge grant from an anonymous donor to help complete a $5.9 million capital campaign for the organization’s new Mount Pleasant animal shelter.
The organization has secured $4.9 million to date to support construction of the new facility, which is planned for the northeast corner of 16th and 90th streets in Mount Pleasant. With $1 million left to raise, WHS this week announced an anonymous donor is committed to matching all donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $500,000 made through Oct. 31.
WHS has been in Racine County since 2013 when it acquired the former Countryside Humane Society and assumed responsibilities for animal control, animal care and adoption services for more than 4,000 animals in the county. Its current 7,500-square-foot building at 2706 Chicory Road was originally constructed as a potato barn and despite upgrades to the facility over the years, it lacks the space for veterinary care, behavior evaluations, appropriate housing and community services, according to the organization.
The new 16,000-square-foot facility would offer expanded animal housing, community space for training, youth programs and community events, and a modern veterinary clinic for shelter animals.
The organization has raised $2.9 million of public funds and will invest $2 million of its own funds for the project.
The organization in December 2016 purchased the five acres of land where it plans to construct the new building from Naperville, Ill.-based Illinois Property Solutions for $150,000.
