Record car sales, coupled with customer choice of a contribution recipient, made it possible for Findlay Subaru -Prescott to give the Yavapai County Humane Society (YHS) a cash donation of $20,000 as a part of the annual “Share the Love” philanthropic campaign Subaru sponsors.
A check for that amount was presented to YHS representatives on March 19. In accepting the check, Rich McClish, YHS executive director, said funds will be used to support the ever-increasing activities at the facility. He mentioned that needs had grown more acute, especially these past few weeks.
McClish and his three colleagues shared anecdotes about the YHS with several Subaru employees who asked questions about the organization. Some employees were surprised that the shelter, located at 1625 Sundog Ranch Road, just north of Prescott Lakes Parkway, annually was responsible for more than 3,000 animals. Animals ranged from dogs and cats and an occasional goat or sheep to the largest—horses, which are accommodated at the YHS Equine Center in Chino Valley.
YHS Marketing Manger Loree Mae Walden told Dave “Mac“ Macfarlane, general manager of Findlay Subaru-Prescott, that support from Subaru and other donors will make possible some needed repairs and upgrading at the almost 50-year old YHS building and facilities.
Macfarlane emphasized that customers who purchased cars were the ones who made the decision about where contributions should go. “Last year was a great year for our dealership, and car buyers want to support organizations in our Quad City community.”
He explained, “For every new car we sell, we let the buyer decide where $250 should go as a charitable donation. This past year, more than 60 buyers said they wanted a gift to go to the YHS. Our local Subaru dealership threw in another $5,000. This is the largest donation we’ve given any charity in the three years Findlay Subaru has operated in Prescott.”
McClish told Macfarlane that the YHS was a 501 (c)3, non-profit organization that relied strongly upon gifts, grants and contributions to support its annual $3.2 million budget. ‘We are involved with protecting the health, safety and welfare of companion animals throughout Yavapai County. On occasion, we are asked to help shelters in other states, such as New Mexico, Utah and Nevada. We ae truly grateful for the support Findlay Subaru is giving us.”
Photo: Accepting a $20,000 donation from Findlay Subaru-Prescott were representatives of the Yavapai Humane Society (l to r) Rich McClish, executive director; Rachel Kennel, behavioral specialist; Loree Mae Walden, marketing manager; Stacey Ostberg, community relations coordinator. Presenting the check were Subaru executives Darrin Rogers, service manager, and Dave “Mac” Macfarlane, general manager.