A Capital Campaign to Build a New Shelter
for the Delaware Humane Association 2011-2013

Proud DHA alumnus Reggie enjoys time with Tatiana and Gerrett Copeland, the couple lucky enough to have adopted him. Reggie's mother, father, and siblings were all adopted through Delaware Humane Association.

In September 2010, DHA quietly initiated a capital campaign to raise funds for a state-of-the-art shelter to replace the current 40 year old facility.

In October 2011, the Major Gifts phase of the campaign concluded and the Public Phase commenced. We are approaching the finish line for the money needed to arrive at the $3,100,000 to build the shelter. What an incredible accomplishment!

As of April 15, 2013, nearly 1,000 individuals, foundations and corporations have contributed $3,018,679 to DHA's capital campaign, just over 97% of our $3,100,000 fundraising goal! We are extremely grateful to all of our donors who have made this possible.

At the beginning of the drive, to encourage giving, Campaign Chairs Tatiana and Gerret Copeland pledged to match every dollar donated by individuals up to $750,000, and we have more than met that challenge with $848,013, thanks to our many generous donors to the campaign.

While speaking at a DHA campaign event last summer, the Copelands pledged an additional $250,000, bringing their very generous gift to $1,000,000. The Tatiana and Gerret Copeland Animal Care & Companion Center will be the name given the new shelter in honor of their commitment to DHA and its future.

DHA's Capital Campaign Honorary Chairs Mike and Jane Castle walking along the Brandywine with Rex. The Castles enjoy dog sitting a variety of friends' dogs.

We are incredibly grateful for the guidance and expertise we received from our campaign fund raising consultant, Mr. Lee Daney of North Star Strategies. We could not have come this close to our goal without him and we anticipate reaching it soon.

We also want to thank the Capital Campaign Committee for their diligence and able assistance in fundraising for the new shelter.

As you are most likely aware, we decided to stay here in the City of Wilmington and create our new home for the animals on our present site.

Preparation for the new shelter began in April 2012 when soil started to be delivered and stockpiled to the east of the present building. This soil needed to sit and compact for a minimum of six months to obtain the desired consolidation, and grass was planted to help prevent erosion.

We expected to start construction in March 2013, but the dirt is still settling. If all goes well we anticipate breaking ground on the new shelter in June. Construction is estimated to take nine months to a year. Thus, we may be able to move into our beautiful new home between March and June 2014.

In order to effectively manage cash flow throughout the building project, we have secured a construction loan from TD Bank, which includes a $500,000 loan through the State Small Business Credit Initiative.  Bancroft Construction Company of Wilmington, DE is heading up the project and has been very generous and supportive.  Repp Schaefer Architects of Villanova, PA have designed a number of animal shelters on the east coast and continue to work with us to provide specifications for the state of the art shelter.

DNREC has provided a generous grant of $1,000,000 to assist with environmental clean up of the property and to help us prepare it for construction. We would like to extend many thanks to our partners Brightfields, Inc. and Duffield Associates. The building committee, headed by Anthony Bariglio, continues to provide guidance and insight.

When Should I Give?

You may contribute whenever you wish! Please also continue to support our quarterly appeals that support DHA’s ongoing programs and services.

How Do I Give?

Your gift to the Capital Campaign for DHA’s new shelter can be made by check, credit card, or by donating stock. You can make a one time donation, or pledge to give over a period of up to three years. You can also give by participating in the Brick Recognition Program.

Important Information About the Capital Campaign

Capital Campaign Case for Support [PDF]
Capital Campaign Naming Opportunities [PDF]
Capital Campaign Brick Recognition Program Brochure [PDF]
Capital Campaign Pledge Form [PDF]
How to Give Stock to the Capital Campaign [PDF]
Paws for Thought Newsletter, feat. Capital Campaign Update (Fall 2012) [PDF]
Capital Campaign Update (Spring/Summer 2012) [PDF]
Paws for Thought Newsletter – Capital Campaign Edition (Spring/Summer 2011)  [PDF] return to top