On January 8, the Humane Society of Genesee County celebrated a milestone – its 90-year anniversary! The occasion was marked with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Burton Chamber of Commerce, accompanied by the essentials for any party: punch and cake.
“Without the dedication of our staff and volunteers, the Humane Society wouldn’t be what it is today; I can’t even imagine how many animals they’ve cared for over the years. The passion that started this organization is just as strong, or maybe even stronger than when we started 90 years ago.”
Deb Loader, Board President
About 30 people attended the event, according to Alexandra Giguere, Marketing Event Manager, including board members, volunteers, staff and local media. “This was definitely a milestone for us!” she exclaims. Board President Deb Loader spoke to attendees about the history of the HSGC and changes that have occurred over the years. The celebration continued that evening with a fundraiser at Bubba O’Malleys in Burton, with all proceeds going to HSGC. Many people from the community came to support the Humane Society and help them celebrate the 90th anniversary.
In honor of the occasion, a two-day Adoption Special was held for all of the companion pets. Thirty adoptions were arranged and 15 were put on hold in order for the animals to be spayed or neutered. “It was very successful,” Alexandra reports. “People came out of nowhere!”
The HSGC cares for over 175 animals every day and there is no time limit as to how long an animal can stay at the shelter. “They are here until they find their ‘forever homes’,” Alexandra says. The organization’s mission has always been “to provide shelter and adoption of companion animals, reduce overpopulation, extend humane education, prevent cruelty, and provide those services that promote its goals and policies; to be a compassionate and respected service organization which represents the voice of animals, recognizes that sanctity of life is the cornerstone of its mission, and continually strives to educate the public about overpopulation – with the goal of finding a permanent and loving home for every homeless and unwanted pet.”
The 90th anniversary celebration will continue at the annual Ties and Tails fundraiser in September. “We are so thankful for all of our board members, volunteers and staff,” Alexandra says. “We hope to have another 90 years!”
History of The Humane Society of Genesee County
The Humane Society of Genesee County traces its beginnings to 1926. Mr. Jonathan E. Burroughs, a respected member of the Flint community, and his colleagues shared a concern for animals, which was translated into a shelter without walls – where homeless animals were cared for by volunteers. The focus of the HSGC has always been the overpopulation and care of companion animals (dogs, cats, puppies and kittens) of Genesee County. For many years, animals in need were humanely cared for in temporary shelters until personal interest, energy and philanthropy led to the purchase of the first building in 1961.
Continued demands for Humane Society programs created the need for further expansion of the facility in 1968, and ultimately, to occupy a new, state-of-the-art facility built through private funding from Humane Society sponsors in 1993.
Source: Humane Society of Genesee County
