Animal shelter needs your vote to win new vehicle
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Central Aroostook Humane Society has been named one of 500 finalist organizations in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program, giving them a one-in-five chance of winning a new vehicle that would be used to transport pets to the veterinarian, haul food and supplies to the shelter, visit schools and nursing homes, do pet therapy at the veterans’ home, and handle other work-related errands.
“There are 100 cars that will be given away over 100 days — with five organizations competing per day for that day’s vehicle. Five organizations go against each other on that day, with online voting determining the winner,” said Betsy Hallett, director of the CAHS.
Hallett said the process began with 5,000 organizations, then it was narrowed down to 1,000, then down to 500 nonprofits.
“We’ve been in need of a vehicle but can’t afford to buy one. We began looking online for places that might donate a vehicle to a nonprofit. We found the Toyota site and filled out the paperwork in December,” said Hallett, noting she’d completely forgotten about submitting the paperwork until she was contacted about her entry.
“We were notified in March that we were named one of the 500 finalists. We received a package with a video camera, thumb drive and banner to use in documenting and posting information about the shelter,” said Hallett.
“We’re the only animal organization in Maine that was selected. There are a variety of agencies competing,” Hallett said.
Hallett explained the process and how people can help the CAHS win a vehicle of their choice.
“Five organizations are selected each day to compete for a vehicle. Supporters are asked to go online to cast their vote, with the agency receiving the most votes for that day winning,” said Hallett. “Our day for people to vote has been set for Wednesday, June 20 (Day 38 of the program), so be sure to mark your calendar and help us win a new vehicle by going to www.100carsforgood.com.”
The CAHS will be competing against the following organizations on June 20: The Ecology Center of San Juan Capistrano, Calif.; Warren Family Mission, Warren, Ohio; The Kids Cooking Corner, Vancouver, Wash.; and 2 Million Dogs (a cancer research group), Memphis, Tenn. Hallett asks everyone to vote and encourage others to do likewise.
If the shelter wins, Hallett said they’d like to get a Toyota Sienna. Of the Maine organizations named as finalists, the Central Aroostook Humane Society is the only agency from northern Maine to make the list and the only animal shelter.
Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program is a national philanthropic program in which the automaker will give away 100 vehicles to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 days. Each finalist was asked to create a video showing how the organization plans to use a new vehicle to make an even bigger impact in the local community. The program began May 14 and will continue through Aug. 21.
Hallett said even if the shelter doesn’t win, officials are pleased to have made finalist.
“Even if we don’t get a vehicle, runners-up for their respective day get $1,000. So win or lose, we’ll have $1,000 for our efforts, at the very least,” said Hallett.
