The Animal Orphanage in Voorhees is celebrating a 25-year milestone on Saturday, March 16 from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Mansion in Voorhees.
Shelter director Christine Todd said over the past six years working at the shelter and spending the last two as director, she has seen many success stories. It was hard for her to think of one that stood out.
“Our adopting numbers are always rising every year,” she said.
According to Todd, every year the shelter has taken in more than 1,500 animals.
“Animal Orphanage is all about second chances,” Todd said.
Todd said a most recent success story is about Otis, the star of Otis’ Adventures on AOV’s Facebook page. Otis was recently adopted and is now living in Marlton. He would appear on Facebook exploring the shelter to help him find a new home. Todd said Facebook has helped the shelter tremendously over the years by allowing them to post events, animals for adoption and donations.
Before Facebook and social media, the shelter would advertise events and adoptions in local newspapers, she said.
Todd said Facebook is the best exposure tool for the shelter.
“It gives us good exposure to help give animals good homes,” she said, adding AOV has more than 10,000 fans on Facebook.
The 25th anniversary celebration will help the shelter not only pay for operating expenses. Some of the funds are going to help the shelter with building a new facility.
Todd said within the next three to five years, AOV hopes to rebuild the current facility, making more room for the animals.
“We have a lot of fundraising to do,” she said.
Todd also said the shelter works with owners who are surrendering their animals, are constantly building on their foster programs and more.
Todd said the event would include entertainment, dinner and drinks, and raffle prizes. Larry Levin, the author of “Oogy,” will also make a special appearance at the event with Oogy.
She said there are approximately 200 people attending the event and there are still tickets left. Tickets are $125 each and can be purchased by visiting the animal shelter located at 419 Cooper Road, or by visiting www.theanimalorphanage.org.
“It’s a celebration of our 25 years of service in the community and helping save lives,” Todd said.
