Considering the snow and poor weather, coming away with $120 isn't bad, said Shelby Puterbaugh, president of the Ball State Future Veterinarian Society.
This amount was raised at a rummage sale Saturday at a barn behind Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant on Tillotson Avenue. The sale benefited two organizations. About $50 was raised for the student organization, and about $70 was raised for the Animal Rescue Fund. The Future Veterinarian Society benefited from the sale of household items, decorations and clothing. The students also sold animal food and toys on behalf of ARF to help pay for supplies and utility bills at a new building on the ARF campus.
The building will function as an office, nursery and recovery center for animals and should be delivered by mid-January. The 800-square-foot facility was a former office building for J.D. Byrider in Muncie, Phil Peckinpaugh, executive director of ARF, said.
Puterbaugh said ARF is always in need of monetary donations, especially with the new facility coming around January.
Peckinpaugh said it costs about $3,000 a week to keep the shelter open, and he relies heavily on community support and donations.
"We're always running behind financially," he said. "We have a very supportive community. We're grateful for our volunteers, but things can always be better."
He said the shelter is always in need of bleach, laundry supplies, litter, animal food and toys, blankets, bedding and office supplies.
The $50 raised by the Future Veterinarian Society will benefit upcoming activities, like a spay and neuter event next semester.
The society isn't just for future veterinarians, Puterbaugh said.
"It became more of a loving animals group," she said. "The money that comes to us is really used to help the Muncie community and ARF."
The Future Veterinarians is a new group on campus with about 25 members. It started last spring, but didn't begin hosting events until this semester. So far, it has visited animal shelters and vets' offices, and it has taken a trip to the Indianapolis Zoo to see animal exhibits from behind the scenes.
Leisha Sigler, an entrepreneurship major and secretary of the Future Veterinarians, said she likes being involved, but she has other plans besides being a vet.
"I want to start my own animal rescue, similar to ARF," she said. "I've learned that's my passion, and that's what I want to do after I graduate."
Sigler volunteers at ARF three times a week, and she said it's almost full to capacity. The shelter has about 60 cats, and it's not accepting any more at this time. There are about 50 dogs, and the capacity is about 60 or 70, she said.
By the numbers
ARF houses about 60 cats, 50 dogs and one pig
Capacity of about 60 cats and 60 or 70 dogs
ARF is not taking any more cats or kittens at this time
Location and hours
1209 W. Riggins Road.
Open 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
