Kearney Area Animal Shelter, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The Kearney Area Animal Shelter will be the beneficiary of a fundraiser hosted by the Jordan’s Way organization as part of its national tour.
Chloe Bales, Volunteer/Community Outreach Coordinator with the Kearney Area Animal Shelter (KAAS) said Kristopher Rotonda founded Jordan’s Way in 2021 after his best four-legged friend, Jordan, died from cancer in 2018.
Jordan was a shelter dog for three and a half years before Rotonda adopted her.
Rotonda began doing Facebook lives in his Florida hometown, which led to fundraising.
“Jordan’s Way is dedicated to sharing meaningful animal welfare stories that inspire people to adopt. Our efforts are publicized on social media to influence the Clearing of Shelters,” according to their website.
“Through our community outreach and advocacy, we create a buzz around shelters that builds a compassionate community of pet parents willing to provide a permanent home. Any donation made goes directly to funding our next shelter visit or to shelters in need,” per the Jordan’s Way website.
Bales said that Jordan’s Way is doing a national tour,7, stopping at an animal shelter per state. She said they encouraged residents to nominate the KAAS to be a stop and so many people sent in recommendations that Jordan’s Way contacted them the next day.
The live fundraiser will be held on Sunday, June 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jordan’s Way will be hosting a Facebook live event.
Jordan’s Way will also highlight several of the longer term animal residents at the shelter in the hopes that they can soon get adopted by a loving family.
Bales said the shelter hopes to raise $20,000 through the fundraiser. Jordan’s Way goal is to raise $15,000 for each shelter they visit as a part of the fundraiser.
Bales said that as a challenge to the community, if they can’t raise over $7,500, Bales and Executive Director Braden Wilkes will shave their heads.
Shelter staff in other states have held similar challenges, including a man who had all his legs shaved in Fort Madison, Iowa, according to the Pen City Current newspaper. $110,000 was raised during this event.
“Every donation made to KAAS truly makes a difference in each and every animal’s life that walks through our doors,” per the shelter’s website.
Bales said that the proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward their general operating budget.
“Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support,” Jordan’s Way stated.
