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Austin Pets Alive! won the national grand prize in the 2011 ASPCA Challenge. (Courtesy: APA!)
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Big prize money to Austin Pets Alive
Three months of hard work pays off
Updated: Wednesday, 30 Nov 2011, 6:07 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 30 Nov 2011, 3:18 PM CST
AUSTIN (KXAN) - The animals and staff at Austin Pets Alive! are rejoicing, and it's not yet Christmas.
A big gift came early for the nonprofit organization when staff learned Wednesday that APA! won a national contest -- and their stockings now overflow with the grand prize award of $100,000.
For three months, APA! took part in the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Challenge, working to increase pet adoptions and save the lives of cats and dogs by finding them forever homes.
APA! adopted out 1,673 animals during the three months of the contest, an increase of 850 lives saved, compared to the same time period in 2010. The nationwide ASPCA Challenge was held from August through October.
APA! was one of 49 shelters from 33 states and territories that participated. All competed to win a portion of $300,000 in ASPCA grants, including the $100,000 grand prize.
"We are so grateful for the community's support throughout the challenge and could not have achieved this amazing feat without the help of our supporters, volunteers, adopters and foster [care home]s," said Dr. Ellen Jefferson, executive director of APA! "Not only did we have the opportunity to save over 1,600 lives during the challenge, but we'll have the chance to save even more with the money from the ASPCA's grant."
Austin City Council earlier this month approved APA's use of Town Lake Animal Center as an overflow facility after the opening of the city's new Austin Animal Shelter at 7201 Levander Loop.
According to ASPCA, a total of 52,484 pets found homes nationally, either via adoption, alternative placements or being reunited with their owners. When compared to the same three-month period in 2010, this year's contestants increased lives saved by a total of 8,977 more animals.
The ASPCA is hosting a celebration party for APA! staff and volunteers Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the APA! Adoption and Resourcen Center, located at 2807 Manchaca Road.
Bert Troughton, vice president of community outreach for the ASPCA, will speak at the event on behalf of the organization and APA!'s success.
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