New details have emerged about a major private donation connected to the planned closure of Beverly Animal Shelter in Waterloo, according to the Finger Lakes Times.
The newspaper reports that philanthropist Tom Golisano pledged $1 million to the shelter in 2024, but only a portion of that funding was ultimately used. About $250,000 was accepted and spent on shelter needs, another $250,000 was allocated but is now being returned, and the remaining $500,000 will not be distributed.
Any remaining shelter assets will be transferred to another nonprofit organization after operations end and outstanding expenses are paid, board President Pat Morrin told the Finger Lakes Times.
The donation was structured to be paid out over four years and could not be used to justify further investment in the shelter’s River Street facility because the organization does not own the building. The property was inherited by Caitlin Reese following the death of longtime shelter founder Dallyn Jenkins, and a lease termination was issued earlier this month.
The shelter is still in the process of rehoming animals currently in its care and has stopped accepting animal surrenders. In addition, contracts with several Seneca County towns to house dogs collected by dog control officers are being terminated, prompting municipalities to seek alternative sheltering arrangements.
Some towns have already approved agreements with other facilities outside the county, while others are pursuing temporary or long-term solutions for animal control services.
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