by Steven Wright
news@thenewsleaders.com
When Kelsey Williamson of Sauk Rapids planned her daughter’s sixth birthday party this summer she never imagined it would involve dozens of cats, dogs and rabbits.
After winning a drawing put on by the Tri-County Humane Society, Williamson and her daughter Kinzey were invited to celebrate Kinzey’s sixth birthday at the animal shelter in Sauk Rapids.
There were no piñatas or pin the tail on the donkey, however, hers had a very unique itinerary.
Joined by a handful of her friends and family, Kinzey was guided on an educational tour of the humane society which included a stop off at the cat room to nuzzle with some of the sheltered kittens.
“It was really fun,” Williamson said. “The kids loved it and it’s definitely a different type of birthday party.”
The importance of the humane hociety and its mission to help animals was not lost during the Williamsons’ party. Instead of presents, Kinzey’s guests brought food, toys and bedding supplies for the sheltered animals. When Williamson explained to her daughter the importance of helping animals find a home, Kinzey was all-in for donating instead receiving her own gifts.
Because the Tri-County Humane Society is a non-profit organization, they rely heavily on private donations. Last week the shelter hosted its “Give to the Max Day” which saw a generous outpouring of just more than $10,000 in donations. This puts their goal of $13,000 well within reach.
And you better watch out, you better not shout, Santa Paws is coming to town. This weekend Santa will be at the Humane Society from 2-4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. For a donation of $35, guests will receive a five-minute session with Santa, five photos on a disc and stocking stuffers for pets.
For more information on the Santa Paws fundraiser and other ways to donate and help the Humane Society, visit tricountyhumanesociety.org or search “Tri-County Humane Society” on Facebook.
A view of the outside of the Tri-County Humane Society in Sauk Rapids. The sign reads “Happy Birthday Kinzey.” Just one of the ways the shelter makes birthday celebrations special.
Kinzey Williamson (left) watches her friend Kayla Wiese (middle) pet a cat while celebrating her birthday on Nov. 7 at the Humane Society. The shelter offers birthday parties for ages 5 to 12.
Kinzey Williamson (third from right) stands proudly behind the donated food and toys her friends brought for her birthday. Kinzey had her sixth birthday party at the Humane Society in Sauk Rapids.
