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Hernando Today

Humane Society Edges Closer To Top Spot In Makeover Contest

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By TONY MARRERO

252> Hernando Today

Published: March 8, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - Joanne Schoch admits a little guiltily that even she didn't expect this.

The executive director of the Humane Society of the Nature Coast is flabbergasted the shelter has hit number six in the contest for a million-dollar makeover.

The shelter earns points every time users register on the Web site zootoo.com and designate the Humane Society as their organization of choice. The fact it ranked so high among more than 2,600 pet advocacy groups means the shelter's supporters have rallied beyond Schoch's expectations.

"Even we are just so amazed and impressed with the community's support," Schoch said.

The first phase ends March 13, and the top 20 points-earners become semi-finalists. Schoch didn't consider it a realistic goal before, but now the shelter is in the running to win the $100,000 automatically awarded to the organization in the number one spot when the points phase ends.

During phase two, ZooToo and its advisers tour all of the shelters to get a sense of their needs and select 10 finalists. In the third phase, the public votes for the most deserving shelter.

The first runner-up wins $50,000. The second runner-up gets $25,000 and the rest of the seven finalists get $10,000. The other 10 semi-finalists receive $5,000 each.

Schoch said she meets a lot of people who say they've been meaning to get online and register. Now's the time to do it, she said.

In a way, getting involved could be "like signing a million dollar check" for the shelter, "and it's free," she said.

Volunteers are willing to talk new users through the registration process on the phone and even come to homes or businesses, Schoch said.

For more information, call the shelter at 796-2711.

Reporter Tony Marrero can be reached at 352-544-5286 or lmarrero@hernandotoday.com.

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