TAMPA, FLA (July 9, 2018) – The Humane Society of Tampa Bay has served the needs of the area’s homeless animals since 1912. The current shelter, which houses at least 8,600 animals each year is more than 50 years old and showing unsustainable wear and tear. Today, the Society announced plans to construct a 42,000 square foot facility that will allow them to address the structural challenges they face in the existing building.
“We have done an incredible job of keeping our animals comfortable and safe in a building that is half a century old,” said Sherry Silk, CEO of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. “But it’s time to do better. Tampa Bay’s homeless animals deserve so much more and, with the help of our community, we intend to give it to them.”
The DeBartolo family, well-known for their compassion for animals and investment in community, have made a significant contribution that will give them naming rights to the new shelter which is scheduled to begin construction in the Spring of 2019.
“The DeBartolo family is passionately committed to our community and, because of our personal love for animals, it seemed only fitting to support the construction of a larger and improved shelter to serve Tampa Bay’s homeless pets,” said Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President of DeBartolo Holdings, LLC. “The DeBartolo Family Animal Shelter will undoubtedly provide hope for the animals in our midst needing care and comfort.”
In addition to doubling the current capacity, the DeBartolo Family Animal Shelter at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay will have central heating and air, isolation space to contain contagious disease, and nursery accommodations for under aged puppies, kittens, and nursing moms. The Society expects that it will be able to save an additional 2,000 animals annually with the new facility.
Thomas Everett Lamb Design & Development donated their innovative design which offers an updated look in keeping with the unique, historic expression of West Tampa. Architect Kevin Hart of Kevin Hart Associates and DeBartolo Construction Services, LLC have signed on to implement the design and construction of the facility. The projected cost for construction of the building is $11 million; the Society has already raised $8.7 million towards that goal.
“We know the community will support our efforts,” said Karen Ryals, Chief Development Officer for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. “The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is their shelter, in the heart of their city, and they have never disappointed in showing their compassion for homeless pets.”
The Society officially launched their capital campaign with a website and donation portal at ShelterThemTampa.com. Visitors to the site can donate towards construction, see building plans, browse additional naming rights opportunities, watch a virtual tour of the current shelter, and enjoy campaign-related documents and media.
“We are so close to our goal and need the entire community to pull together for homeless animals,” said Sherry Silk. “This campaign is about one thing – saving more lives – and we can’t imagine anyone saying ‘no’ to that.”
About the Humane Society of Tampa Bay
For more than 100 years, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay has been dedicated to ending animal homelessness and providing care and comfort for companion animals in need. Named a Four-Star Charity by Charity Navigator since 2008, designated a Platinum Participator with GuideStar, recognized as a Service Enterprise by Points of Light, and accredited by AAHA, the standard in veterinary excellence, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay is dedicated to the highest standards in animal sheltering and veterinary care. Our adoption programs, affordable veterinary services, community outreach efforts and volunteer opportunities are essential to the health and wellbeing of animals across Tampa Bay. HumaneSocietyTampa.org