From June 1 – August 31, Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is competing against 49 other animal shelters across the country for the chance to win more than $600,000 in grant funding, including a $100,000 grand prize, in the 2014 ASPCA Rachel Ray $100K Challenge. VCAS applied back in January and began the highly competitive contest selection process.

The 100K competition challenges participating shelters (with the help of their communities) to break their own records when it comes to saving the lives of homeless dogs and cats.  Each shelter’s three-month adoption numbers from 2013 will be compared to the same period in 2014 and the shelter that shows the biggest improvement will be awarded $100,000. For VCAS, this means finding homes for 2,300 animals in just 90 days.

“The ASPCA Rachel Ray $100K Challenge is an amazing opportunity for VCAS to work hand-in-hand with  the entire community to find homes for the hundreds of dogs, cats and rabbits waiting for their forever families at our two Ventura County adoption centers,” said Tara Diller, VCAS Director. “Our $100K motto is: It takes a village, we ARE a village!’”

Fostering greater community engagement plays a big part in the competition so, in an effort to get more people to visit VCAS Adoption Centers, VCAS will offer the following daily adoption specials during the first week of the 100K Challenge, June 1 – 7, 2014:

•     Senior Sunday - $30 for senior animals (5 years +) or for senior adopters (65 years +)
•     Mixed Breed Monday - Mixed breeds adopted for $35
•     $2 Off Tuesday - Adoption rates reduced by $2/per pound of the pet
•     Black or Blue Wednesday - $22 adoptions for all black, grey or blue animals
•     $30 Thursday -   All adoptions $30/animal
•     Feline Friday - Cat adoptions are only $5 / cats aged one year and older
•     Staff Favorite Saturday - Staff picks are only $25 to adopt

VCAS will continue discounted pricing on Senior Sundays, $30 Thursdays and Staff Favorite Saturdays through the August 31 end date of the competition.

Rachael Ray has long been an advocate for animals and a supporter of animal welfare groups. Her love for animals and for her pit bull, Isaboo, inspired her to create a pet food called Nutrish® to raise money for animals in need.  Ray donates the proceeds from the sale of Nutrish® to organizations like the ASPCA so they can implement programs like the $100K Challenge and support shelters and animal organizations around the country.

VCAS plans to host additional $100K Challenge events and promotions throughout the summer. For more information on the $100K Challenge, VCAS animals and VCAS volunteer opportunities, visit www.vcas.us.