Official Press Release from the Kalamazoo Humane Society
KALAMAZOO, Michigan—Area donors responded generously to the Kalamazoo Humane Society’s capital campaign for a new animal care and resource center, contributing slightly more than the $4.75 million goal. The new facility will be named the Charles & Lynn Zhang Animal Care & Resource Center, honoring lead donors Charles and Lynn Zhang.
“Once again, this community demonstrates its love and compassion for animals and the people who care for them,” said Aaron Winters, Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Humane Society (KHS). “The new facility will expand KHS’s low-cost spay and neuter services to reduce unwanted litters; increase access to its emergency pet food bank and other services for pet owners in crisis; and provide humane education activities to promote responsible treatment of animals.”
The nation’s top ranked fee-only wealth managers, the Zhangs are also passionate animal lovers; in fact, their Shih Tzu, Sparky, serves as the "Chief Executive Pawfficer" at Zhang Financial.
“How a community protects and cares for its animals reflects how it cares for its people. That’s why Charles and I are thrilled to help the Kalamazoo Humane Society increase its impact by supporting the new Center,” said Lynn Chen-Zhang, Chief Operating Officer at Zhang Financial.
Winters said, “Words can’t express how deeply grateful we are to the Zhangs and other generous donors and foundations for helping us make the Charles & Lynn Zhang Animal Care & Resource Center a reality.”
Robert Cinabro and Colleen Killen-Roberts, co-chairs of the Compassion/Prevention/Results Campaign, applauded the Zhangs and the community as a whole for their support.
“We started this campaign with a simple goal: to create a center that meets the increased demand for crucial services that reduce the number of unwanted pets in shelters and on the streets and helps keep pets safe and in their own homes,” said Cinabro. “We’re excited to see that vision being realized.”
“I can’t wait to see the Kalamazoo Humane Society’s new home expand access to medical, educational and support services throughout the community,” added Killen-Roberts. “This couldn’t happen without the support of our passionate donors.”
Through its “Operation Fix-It” spay/neuter program, KHS has performed more than 73,000 procedures since 2002, which correlates to dramatic reductions in the number of animals housed in the shelter operated by Kalamazoo County Animal Services & Enforcement. The new Center will increase opportunities to serve clients locally and throughout Southwest Michigan, according to Winters.
The new 11,000-square-foot facility, to be built on 14.9 acres at River Street and the I-94 Business Loop in Comstock Township, will replace KHS’s long-time home in a converted bridal shop. It will include state-of-the-art medical procedure rooms, educational space and offices. Also planned is a memorial garden honoring pets that have passed away.
KHS has recently relocated to its temporary home at 3661 Easy Street, just south of the Sprinkle Road and I-94 interchange.
Construction of the Animal Care & Resource Center is expected to begin in early fall 2019 and last about a year.
About the Kalamazoo Humane Society Founded in 1897, the Kalamazoo Humane Society provides humane education, pet population control and emergency response services to pets and pet owners throughout Kalamazoo County and many under-served Southwest Michigan communities. Find out more at www.kazoohumane.org, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
Media Contact:
Aaron Winters, Executive Director
Kalamazoo Humane Society
269-345-1181 / awinters@kazoohumane.org