For a few hours Monday, the Emporia Animal Shelter served as host to an event with national connections.
The Jordan’s Way Tour involved a nearly three-hour-long social media and fundraising blitz to both generate funds for the shelter and increase awareness. Jordan’s Way founder Kris Rotonda tells KVOE News his efforts began after his dog, who had spent extended time in a shelter before being adopted, passed away in 2018. The effort started small. It’s not a small deal anymore.
Jordan’s Way organizer Marilynne Rish says it’s important to highlight the dogs, especially those who may have stayed at the shelter for a significant period of time.
Humane Society of the Flint Hills Director Stephanie Achille says an event like this provides benefits, both short-term and long-term, for the shelter.
Shelter associate Morgan Herbig says the tour stop was a big deal for staff and volunteers.
Besides highlighting the shelter’s current situation, the Jordan’s Way tour stop also drew attention to the shelter’s relationship with the Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine, which has included spay and neuter visits twice a month and guidance on the shelter’s medical cases, behavioral needs and space requirements, among other items. Dr. Cody Dressler, a clinical assistant professor of shelter medicine at K-State, says she was impressed with the education focus of the tour stop.
Over $1,600 was generated during the three-hour tour stop.
The Emporia stop kicked off the Kansas leg of the Jordan’s Way national tour. It also came on the heels of concerns announced by Lyon County about the Humane Society’s good standing with the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office. Both Achille and Becky Smith, an Emporia city commissioner and Humane Society board member, have both said they received verbal word the agency is in good standing with the state and nothing came up during a recent inspection process. However, the Secretary of State’s Office has confirmed its online presence saying the Humane Society is not in good standing and has to file annual reports dating back to 2020 in order to regain that position.
7:45 am Monday: Jordan’s Way fundraiser to benefit Emporia Animal Shelter pets, facility upgrades
This is a big day for the Emporia Animal Shelter and Humane Society of the Flint Hills.
The Jordan’s Way Tour is kicking off the Kansas leg of its latest national tour with a stop at the shelter from 10 am to 1 pm. The tour stop is closed to the public, but residents are encouraged to track the Humane Society and Animal Shelter social media channels for information on related fundraisers, including a “catnip challenge” for all shelter cats if $2,500 comes and a “hot dog challenge” where all dogs get wieners if there is $1,000 in by the start of the event. There is also a “lockup challenge” where Director Stephanie Achille will stay at the shelter overnight if the shelter meets its total goal of $20,000.
Proceeds will benefit shelter upgrades and shelter pets.
Click here for a link to the Facebook event page and fundraising information.
