The Brix Challenge 10 Year Anniversary

Great results for the Humane Society of McDonough County

For ten years Chris Brix has challenged others to join him in raising funds for the annual operational costs of the HSMC during the month of October. Each challenge has been met with enormous support, and this year’s Brix Challenge was another huge success. That means great things for many animals in need in McDonough County.

Thanks to fantastic support, this year’s Brix Challenge raised an amazing $21,000.00 for the HSMC’s annual operating costs. This is so exciting! All of the funds raised will be used directly to help the animals we all care so much about. The success of this year’s challenge will allow the HSMC to continue many ongoing services and programs to animals and pet owners and to continue providing direct support to the county-run McDonough County Animal Shelter, as well.

Regional media venues helped us reach a large number of people again this year. With their support, and that of members and friends, local businesses, mailings, social media and word of mouth, The Brix Challenge 2023 gained early momentum that never slowed down. We are extremely grateful to everyone who participated in any way.

It’s difficult to express how much this kindness is appreciated or to explain the positive effect it will directly have on the animals whose lives it will touch. To everyone who became a part of this challenge, our most sincere thanks.

The ongoing work of providing for animals in need requires significant funds and energy, and costs increase significantly each year. The Brix Challenge is the only major fundraiser that designates funds specifically for the HSMC’s extensive yearly operational expenses.

The HSMC is also committed to raise the substantial sum needed for a new McDonough County Animal Shelter to replace the current facility, which was built in the 1980’s and is in need of being replaced. The new building is estimated to cost over $1,000,000.00. The “Shelter Campaign” fundraising endeavors are separate from the annual operating budget, which is crucial to maintain the HSMC’s ongoing programs and initiatives.

The generosity of Chris Brix and those who participated in this year’s Brix Challenge will make the world a better place for many animals in McDonough County. The Humane Society of McDonough County members and supporters work tirelessly on a daily basis to fulfill their commitment to provide humane care and treatment for all cats and dogs in our county through many ongoing initiatives.

HSMC assistance to animals at the McDonough County Animal Shelter includes:

-promoting adoptions
-providing sponsorships
-a rescue/foster/adoption program
-providing emergency medical assistance
-assisting with care and socialization of animals while they are at the shelter, and more.

Other ongoing HSMC initiatives helping animals in need and struggling pet owners include spay/neuter transports and programs, the discretionary use of “Angel” emergency medical funds, a pet food pantry and much more.

The Humane Society of McDonough County is an all-volunteer organization, 100% dependent on donations and gifts. Our vision is to provide humane care and treatment for animals in McDonough County. While much of our work supports the McDonough County Animal Shelter and the animals there, we function as a separate entity from the county-administered shelter. All contributions to the HSMC go entirely toward improving the lives of animals in our community and those at the county animal shelter.

We sincerely thank everyone who supported The Brix Challenge this year and for the confidence shown for the hard work of the HSMC. Its success reminds us, once again, that one person’s great idea, shared with others, can create a reality of positive difference.

Humane Society’s Brix Challenge Hoping for a Big Finish

This year’s Brix Challenge is approaching the finish line as the month of October comes to an end. For those who have contributed in any way to this year’s challenge, our most sincere thanks. Because of the fantastic support of this HSMC fundraiser over the past 9 years (individual, media, business support and more) the Brix Challenge has become the largest single source of fundraising for the HSMC’s annual operating costs. That translates directly into happier lives for many animals in McDonough County who will benefit from its success.

NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL. All Brix Challenge donations raised during the month of October will be used directly to save lives and help animals in need.

The Humane Society of McDonough County (HSMC) is a 100% volunteer organization supported entirely on donations and gifts. While much of our work supports the county-run animal shelter we are a separate entity from the county animal shelter (MCAS). HSMC members, volunteers, and supporters work tirelessly to help animals in McDonough County and their families. The

HSMC is committed to furthering our vision to provide humane care and treatment for all cats and dogs in the county and rely on continuous financial support to do so.

Becoming a part of the Brix Challenge is easy. You can help by sharing the details of this important fundraiser with friends and family, spreading the word through your social media, and/or sending your tax-deductible donation to:

“The Brix Challenge 2023”
Humane Society of McDonough County
PO Box 7
Macomb, IL 61455

You may also use the PayPal or Venmo options on the HSMC website at www.hsmcil.org

Please help us reach the finish to this year’s Brix Challenge with another huge success. Together we can do so much to help the animals we all care so much about. Thank you so much.

Humane Society’s Brix Challenge is Going Great: An Update

As you may know the Brix Challenge is the easiest way to save lives and help animals in need in our county.  All Brix Challenge donations raised during the month of October will be used toward the annual operational costs of the HSMC ($40,000-$50,000/year).  These funds are essential for the HSMC to continue providing its many services to animals in need and their families, as well as supporting McDonough County’s animal shelter in many ways.

We are almost halfway through October and so far the BC23 is going great.  Please help keep the momentum going throughout the month.  This event has an enormous impact on many animals needing help. We know you can make this challenge another great success.   

If you have already joined the BC23, Thank you so much!  We truly appreciate your generosity and support.  You may also help by sharing the details of this important challenge with others through word of mouth and/or your social media.

NO GIFT IS TOO SMALL TO HELP and all funds raised will be used directly to help animals in our county.  The Brix Challenge:

• designates 100% of the funds raised to the ANNUAL OPERATING COSTS of the HSMC for daily ongoing needs.
• allows the HSMC to PROVIDE DIRECT SUPPORT to the MCDONOUGH COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER on an ONGOING BASIS.  Although the McDonough County Animal Shelter (MCAS) is run by the county (not the Humane Society of McDonough County) a large portion of the HSMC’s tireless work is devoted to support the county-run animal shelter.  Assistance to animals at the MCAS include:  Promoting adoptions, providing sponsorships, a rescue/foster/adoption program, providing emergency medical assistance, assisting with care and socialization of animals while they are at the shelter, enhancements for the comfort of the animals at the shelter and more.

• allows the HSMC to PROVIDE MANY SERVICES TO ANIMALS & PET OWNERS ON AN ONGOING BASIS. Those initiatives include spay/neuter transports and programs, the Angel emergency medical fund, a pet food pantry and so much more.
• is an ENORMOUSLY SUCCESSFUL each year due to GENEROUS friends like YOU.       

To be a part of the “Brix Challenge 2023” please send your tax-deductible donations to: 
“The Brix Challenge”
Humane Society of McDonough County
PO Box 7
Macomb, IL 61455

You may also use the PayPal or Venmo options on the HSMC website at www.hsmcil.org.  Together we can make a difference in the lives of many animals in need. 

Note: The HSMC is a 100% volunteer organization supported entirely on donations and gifts. While much of our work supports the county-run animal shelter we are a separate entity from the county animal shelter.  We are committed to furthering our vision to provide humane care and treatment for all cats and dogs in the county and rely on continuous financial support to do so.

The Humane Society of McDonough County budget for specialized medical care for shelter animals has taken a big hit with illnesses, and we are just halfway into the year. In many cases, treatment can cost up to $1,000 per dog/puppy.

Unfortunately, this litter of puppies dropped off at the shelter has become ill. We need help. A healthy outcome for these pups isn’t guaranteed, but we want to ensure they get the required medical attention to hopefully save them. Plus, we need to be able to respond to other medical emergencies that come up for the animals at the shelter.

We have already paid over $8,000 in covering special medical costs for shelter animals since January 1, which is more than we spent the entire 2022 calendar year! Our goal is to raise an additional $8,000-$10,000 to cover treatments. This fundraiser is specific to helping the puppies and is separate from our annual fundraisers. If all donations aren’t used for these puppies, they will be earmarked for upcoming special medical needs.

Let us be clear, this situation in no way reflects the care of cats and dogs given by the shelter staff, so let’s keep this fundraiser on a positive note!

If you can assist, you can donate by:

• Mailing a check to HSMC, PO Box 7, Macomb, IL 61455
• PayPal at hsmcil@hotmail.com
• Venmo @HumaneSocietyofMcDonoughCounty
• www.gofundme.com

Please be sure to make a note on your donation that it’s for the shelter puppies!

Thank you so much for your support!