Despite being down-sized, the recent bid for the animal shelter and dog park was $150,000 more than what has been raised or pledged. Wallace Teagarden has stepped up to be the closer on the effort. This week he put forth a challenge dollar-for-dollar matching grant up to $75,000 to get the project to the finish line.
Teagarden was the spark that ignited the Thomas Jefferson Gardens project. He donated funds for the Thomas Jefferson statue at the entrance to The Gardens.
Recently Teagarden sat down with Don Orris, fundraising chair for the animal shelter/dog park, to review the architect plans.
Teagarden then presented his challenge. Orris explained, “I went to Wallace for help. We worked closely together on the Thomas Jefferson Gardens and I got to know him. I found him genuinely interested in making Greene County a place where people want to come for work, to raise a family, and to enjoy everything rural America has to offer. He generously gives back to the community.”
The proposed animal shelter has been 10 years in the making. After extensive research and re-tooling, the finish line is in sight. It fulfills a need. The adjacent dog park adds another amenity to draw people to our community. Orris continued, “I want to thank Wallace for this timely challenge grant. Now we have a very short time line to raise the remaining money”.
The Jefferson city council must accept or reject a bid by Nov. 8, 2021. The clock is ticking. Orris is available to answer any additional questions at 515-370-5740. Donors who have contributed but wish to give more as well as first-time donors are encouraged to act now.
Donations can be sent to City of Jefferson, 220 N. Chestnut St, Jefferson, IA 50129. Checks should be payable to City of Jefferson with “Animal Shelter Account” in the memo line.
