Mayor Ron Littlefield Announces Million Dollar Gift for the Animal Care Trust Today

2/27/2006

Standing on the land of the future site for the new Animal Care and Adoption Center, Mayor Ron Littlefield will announce today a lead gift of one million dollars to the Animal Care Trust.  The donation comes courtesy of Bob McKamey, owner and president of Capital Toyota and Lexus of Chattanooga along with his partners, his son Jeff and his daughter Karla.

“It is my honor and privilege to introduce you to the new namesake of the Animal Care and Adoption Center, Bob McKamey and his family,” said Mayor Ron Littlefield.  “In recognition of the McKamey family’s generosity the building will be called the McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center” said Mayor Littlefield.
 
Bob McKamey said, “The McKamey Family is grateful to be in a position to give back to a community who has given so much to us.  We all have now and have always had animals as part of our family.   Our pets have enriched our lives and our homes.  Making this contribution is our way of returning their love.  We appreciate the leadership of our fine mayor and recognize all who have been instrumental in seeing this project come to life.”

“Bob McKamey’s daughter Karla McKamey-Valadez has worked tirelessly to bring the new adoption center to life.  She is chair of the honorary campaign cabinet,” said Barby Wilson, chair of the Animal Care Trust board. “Without her passion and dedication to Animal Care Trust’s mission, this charitable gift would not have been possible.”

 “I have always felt strongly about the protection and care of animals.  Being involved in this project gives me a sense of pride for the legacy that my family will pass on for generations,” said Karla McKamey-Valadez.

Groundbreaking for the McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center, located at 4500 N. Access Road in Hixson, is scheduled for Spring 06.  The state of the art center will be built on 10 beautiful acres in Hixson and is designed with animals and people in mind.                           

The 21,000 sq. foot center will feature an open lobby, skylights, murals, kiosks, interactive computer stations to match people with pets, and indoor/outdoor runs. It will include cat colonies and condos with a view of the outside, behavior evaluation room to test temperament, get acquainted rooms, community education classroom and library, a               surgical suite and isolation rooms.
 
The mission of the Animal Care Trust, a tax exempt and non-profit organization, is to protect animals from neglect, abuse and exploitation; to advocate for their interests and welfare; to reduce the unwanted pet population through an effective spay/neuter program; and to inspire and educate citizens toward an awareness and compassion for all living beings.

The media are encouraged to attend today:

The McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center

4500 N. Access Road, Hixson, TN

Monday, February 27, 2006

10:15 am
 
Go to www.acacinfo.org for more info on the Animal Care Trust.

Goal: $5.6 million are needed for the 21,000 square foot facility
Public-Private Partnership: $2.6 million from private funds; $1 million from city in land donation and up to $2 million match of private funds