Tri-County Humane Society Wins Leighton Media Gratitude on Repeat Contest, Thanks Supportive Community

(KNSI) – A local animal shelter’s supporters have helped the nonprofit win this year’s Leighton Media Gratitude on Repeat contest.

Jake Judd/KNSI News

Tri-County Humane Society Executive Director Marit Ortega is thankful for their supporters because they heard about the contest weeks after it had already started. “This was a surprise because it was such short timing on it. And I know people have been — other nonprofits had been trying to garner votes for quite some time. And so, to see our community just rally and come together and vote for the Tri-County Humane Society is like, ‘Oh, my gosh, look at this.’ They came through for us. So very grateful for our supportive community.”

She explained how this gift gives them a fantastic opportunity. “This is going to help us promote all of the great programs that we have. I feel like sometimes, because the budget is limited in marketing. We’re offering really great things, but the people don’t know about it. So it’s like one of those best-kept secrets. And so, this is huge for us.”

She says the donation will help spread the word on adoptions, community events, and volunteer needs and reunite pets with their people.

About 5,000 animals enter the facility’s doors a year, and about 94% are placed in permanent homes. The average animal stays about ten days in the shelter.

In 2024, the Tri-County Humane Society is celebrating 50 years of serving our community. They have a lot of exciting things in the works to celebrate that milestone and will invite the community to join them. In honor of the anniversary, the group has published 50 ways to support the humane society.

Starting in November, nonprofits throughout central Minnesota applied for a free advertising campaign, which included a free production of up to three radio ads and a 13-week, 21-ad-per-week schedule on select Leighton Media stations. Voting ended on December 31st.

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