About 100 people gathered at Jefferson Village School on Saturday, April 19 for a new event called the Furry Fundraiser.

One woman drove up from Pemaquid after reading about the event in last week’s newspaper and wanted meet the event’s creator herself! Everyone visited together in the company of pets, friends and family, enjoying the bake sale items, drinking lemonade, listening to music, watching the face painting and even the occasional dance show, and getting their dogs washed or pictures taken.

The event was a ton of fun but even more than that, it was a huge success. The goal was to raise $500 for the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, and the grand total was $854 at the end of the event.

The event was created by 10-year-old Halie Winchenbach, a Jefferson fourth grader. She worked with her mom, Molly Winchenbach, and some of her friends to brainstorm what they could do to help the animals at the local shelter.

“I was inspired by my pets because I love animals,” Halie said. “Our cats, Fiona and Blade, came from the shelter and we have a dog, Jersey, who needs a lot of love and attention.”

Once the word was spread about the fundraiser, many of their friends and family wanted to help make it a success, cheering them along the way. The manager at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, Carrie Koskela, and other employees were also instrumental in making this happen. They helped sell Furry Fundraiser T-shirts, collected donations, and came to the event with two guinea pigs, which were adopted by one of Halie’s friends.

The Animal Shelter would like to thank Halie and her family for such a wonderful day. “We are proud of this little girl, who has a huge heart, and her desire to help the animals of Lincoln County,” Koskela said. “The most precious moment of the day was the look on her face when she learned that she had not only reached her goal but far exceeded it! We thank Halie, her family and all the supporters very much!”

The Winchenbach family would like to thank everyone who donated to Lincoln County Animal Shelter, plus all those who participated and volunteered at the fundraiser! It was truly a community event and wouldn’t have been successful without everyone there to support it.

The family has agreed to make this an annual event and has begun brainstorming with friends for next year’s event, hoping to include a pet show and pet photography contest with donated prizes.

Halie would also like to remind you that even though the event is over for this year, you can keep on giving at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter through donations, volunteer time and adoptions.