Tuesday, September 21, 2010
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
262.546.5714 aspeed@ozaukeehumane.org

Ozaukee Humane Society Announces Name Change
“Wisconsin Humane Society Ozaukee Campus” will open in March 2011

Grafton, Wis. – The Wisconsin Humane Society Ozaukee Campus: Victoria Wellens Center has unanimously been chosen by the Wisconsin Humane Society board of directors as the new name for the animal shelter currently under construction in Saukville. The name will go into effect once the new facility opens this spring.

“The name clarifies the relationship between the Wisconsin Humane Society and the Ozaukee shelter,” explained Anne Reed, executive director of the organization. “The Ozaukee location has always served animals and families from Ozaukee County, but since the merger in 2004, the shelters have shared administration and resources. They are truly one entity, with two different locations.”

Margy Stratton, former board president and Ozaukee County resident, is excited about the name change.

“The 130-year-old Wisconsin Humane Society is recognized across the country for excellence and innovative programs,” said Stratton. “This new name is a powerful combination. It brings together the outstanding national reputation of the Wisconsin Humane Society with the deep tradition of caring for animals at the Ozaukee shelter and the inspiration provided to so many by former WHS executive director Victoria Wellens.”

Wellens was at the helm of the Wisconsin Humane Society from 1994-2009. Within five years of her becoming the executive director, Milwaukee boasted one of the most respected and successful shelters in the country. Wellens was determined to expand the same programs and services offered at WHS into Ozaukee County, laying plans for a state-of-the-art facility that will better serve the needs of animals and families in the area.

“The new shelter will provide many more opportunities for the community to get involved,” explained Beth Maresh, director of program services, and Cedarburg resident. “The classroom space will be used for dog training classes, school field trips, girl and boy scout events and other educational programs. In addition, we will have an expanded need for local volunteers and hope to recruit dozens of new volunteers interested in working with the animals.”

You can see the new facility for yourself before the doors open this spring. The shelter is hosting a “Sneak Peek” public fundraiser on Saturday, October 2 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the construction site in Saukville. The event will feature self-guided tours, food and drinks, live music and a live auction of Grafton’s ART BARK fiberglass dogs. For more information or to register, visit ozaukeehumane.org or call (262) 377-7580.

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