Rockford shelter fundraises to save animals in need
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — PAWS Humane Society held its largest fundraiser of the year in hopes of aiding more animals in need around Rockford.
The Humane Society's Furball Gala Fundraiser was held in the Tebala Event Center on Saturday.
Those in attendance know how important the fundraiser is for PAWS. The humane society said the extra support is needed since 2024 was a low adoption year nationwide and in the area.
Executive Director Sue Golan said the community's support helps them stay open each year.
'We're here to continue what we do, which we do rescues differently, we're very pro-animal and we're conscious of who our animals go to,' said Golan.
The director of the shelter applauded the community's support.
'It's nice to see a community that cares,' Golan Continued. 'They care about animals, they tend to care about people and there's just not enough kindness and caring in the world right now.'
Golan said they will continue to do everything they can to support the animals in our community.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Rockford residents battle through hardship to get a high school diploma
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Several Rockford residents who were enrolled in an online high school program received their high school diplomas at the Nordlof Center on Wednesday. The Adult High School Program is offered by the Rockford Public Library to support those in the community battling hardship who want to earn their high school diploma later in life. Over 30% of Rockford residents do not have diplomas because of personal hardships, according to Loomis. The program's Development Director, Brook Loomis, said there were over 175 people enrolled this year. 'I feel like every time we come to these ceremonies, it almost feels more like a pep rally,' explained Loomis. 'Yeah, it brings you to tears because, you see, multi-generational families graduating together.' 'I think it really takes away those barriers that they might have had before,' Loomis continued. 'That's really what we've found with this program is that we allow students to do it on their terms.' One of the program's academic coaches could not be prouder of his students. 'I've been with this program for about eight years, and to see a lot of our students come from where they were to actually getting a diploma,' said Academic Coach Gibson Garcon. 'Some of them didn't even think it was possible.' The program will continue to provide Rockford residents a second chance, with 100 people already enrolled for next year's classes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Pastor opens dialogue on Christianity and LGBTQ+ in Rockford
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A Rockford pastor is working to bridge Christian theology with the LGBTQ+ community by hosting a conversation on Biblical scripture and sexuality. 'Just because it's not listed [in the Bible], that there are others within that spectrum, it doesn't mean that they're not God ordained,' said Zion Lutheran Pastor Mike Thomas, who led a conversation on Christian scripture and its relation to sexuality on Tuesday afternoon at Katie's Cup, 502 7th Street. Thomas said it took him 30 years to become an LGBTQ+ ally. 'I wasn't advocating. I was spineless,' he said. Today, Thomas is using Pride Month to open a conversation on how Christianity and sexuality intersect. 'We celebrate having conversations like this one today here, as well as at church on Sunday, to talk about what does the Scripture say about people who are in the gay community,' Thomas said. In many denominations, views interpreting homosexuality as a sin or aberration have softened, with recent studies showing a growing number of Americans support the LGBTQ+ community. 71-year-old Debbie Raymond said attitudes toward gay people have come a long way. 'At the beginning, it was very tough. You basically lived in a closet, you know, you didn't talk very much,' she recalled. Now, she's a proud member of the Lutheran church. Raymond credited events such as the one at Katie's Cup for helping to bring her and others back to religion. 'Go talk to pastors, go talk to congregations. You know, do your research, understand the first rule: I was born this way,' she said. 'It's wonderful to be able to change people's perspective on understanding what Scripture says, as well as what the central message of God's grace and mercy, through Christ. In the Gospels, that's the emphasis that we focus on,' Thomas said. Thomas also said he saw more Christian denominations than ever before at this year's on Saturday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Here's where you can retire your old American Flag this week:
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — This week is National Flag Week, and old and tattered American Flags need to be retired properly. There are two drop-off locations in Rockford this week: at Veterans Memorial Hall, at 211 N. Main Street, and the Winnebago County Clerk's Office, at 404 Elm Street. After they're collected, old flags are incinerated by the Boy Scouts of America. 'They've done this forever. It's a big ceremony every year. Once a year, they do retire flags. And they're treating the scouts, or actually educating them, on the proper handling and disposal of flags,' said Veterans Memorial Hall director Scott Lewandowski. In exchange for retired flags, owners can get a replacement 8 x 10 flag, while supplies last. Veterans Memorial Hall is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The County Clerk's Office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
