Kent County, DE –Three very special women were recognized at the First State Animal Center and SPCA’s An Evening for the Animals Fundraising event on November 15th.

Elestine Cooper, a volunteer and founding board member of the animal center since it began in the early 1950s, was honored as Outstanding Board Member for 2014. Mrs. Cooper has served in every capacity, from volunteer, board member and board president for more than 60 years. She was one of the founding board members of the Kent County SPCA in the early 1960s. Mrs. Cooper remains as a board member currently.

Outstanding Board member 2014 Elestine Cooper, flanked by Alex Moore (left), FSAC-SPCA president and Kevin Usilton (right), FSAC-SPCA executive director.

Sharon Daughtery and Melody Salisbury were also honored as Outstanding Volunteers of 2014. Sharon was noted for her tireless work in nearly every facet of the organization, from cleaning cat kennels, doing laundry, making bed pads for the dogs and cats, stuffing mailings, and helping with adoption events.

Outstanding Volunteers: Melody Salisbury, (left), Sarah Harding, (center) Community Outreach Manager, and Sharon Daughtery

Melody Salisbury has been volunteering with FSAC-SPCA since November of 2013. She works as a groomer for Governors Avenue Animal Hospital. There have been many occasions where Melody has made the difference in an animal’s life by bathing, clipping and brushing them.

The Evening for the Animals raised monies for the care of the animals at the FSAC-SPCA. It was held at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover. Mike Hines and the Look provided the entertainment.

The mission of the First State Animal Center and SPCA is twofold: they protect animals from people, by prevention of cruelty and suffering, rescue of the trapped or injured, emergency medical treatment, temporary housing for homeless animals and the reduction of homeless pet overpopulation through targeted spay/neuter and education programs; and they protect people from animals through their commitment in placing only stable, safe and well-adjusted animals into homes where they will thrive while simultaneously educating the public about responsible pet guardianship.

Donna and Larry Josefowski, long-time supporters of the First State Animal Center and SPCA, at the Evening for the Animals

Carole Kisner and David Litz were the co-chairs of the successful event for the second year in a row.

Kevin and Angie Phillipson, of Kent County Women’s Journal, enjoyed the evening. Kent County Women’s Journal was the media sponsor of the event.

Scott and Tamra Baurys, dedicated board member and volunteers for the FSAC-SPCA.

Mavis and Frank Newton have been involved with FSAC-SPCA since the early 1960s, as board members, supporters and volunteers. They were one of the gold sponsors for the Evening for the Animals.