DALLAS, TX (October 26, 2011) – Collin County Humane Society (CCHS) raised more than 0,000 at the organization’s second annual fundraising gala, “Give A Dog A Home”, held Friday, October 21, at City Place in Dallas. All proceeds from the event will go toward a capital campaign to raise money to build a .2 million 10,000 s.f. adoption center slated to open in 2015.

Special guests included Dallas entrepreneur and philanthropist Arthur E. Benjamin, founder of American Dog Rescue, who served as keynote speaker, and Gus Hinojosa of Hinojosa Architecture and Interiors, who discussed progress on the new adoption center. The program also included presentation of the CCHS 2011 “Justice Award” to Scotlund Haisley, founder of Animal Rescue Corps, for his organization’s work saving animals in disasters.

“The proceeds from this year’s gala will be a great boost toward our campaign for the new adoption center,” said Molly Peterson, president, Collin County Humane Society. “We are especially grateful to our featured speaker Arthur E. Benjamin, whose stirring remarks helped raise $47,500 in ten minutes alone. This was in addition to the proceeds from his generous auction item donations and sponsorship from his organization, American Dog Rescue. This income, combined with the funds raised in our silent and live auction, helped us soar well over our $50,000 goal.”

The event featured a cocktail hour with live music, a silent auction, entertainment by Ad Libs Comedy Group, and a 3-course meal with wine service.

“This was a special night for those of us who are deeply committed to the care of dogs in this country,” said Arthur E. Benjamin. “I was honored to be a part of helping Collin County Humane Society move closer to their dream for a much-needed new adoption facility. It was also gratifying to be a part of recognizing Animal Rescue Corps, an organization I am also proud to support.”

The new CCHS adoption center will serve as a transitional housing station for dogs in the CCHS program that are ready for adoption. CCHS will remain a primarily foster-based adoption program, with available dogs rotating from foster homes to the adoption facility and back. The facility will also include an area for cats. CCHS is currently seeking land for the facility.

Collin County Humane Society (CCHS) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in March of 2008. The foster-home based group is dedicated to helping dogs who are unwanted, abandoned or lost. For information, visit www.CollinCountyHumaneSociety.org.

American Dog Rescue (ADR) is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to find a home for every adoptable dog in the United States. Headquartered in Dallas, ADR is committed to placing healthy dogs in permanent homes that are the right fit for the animal and its family. Donations can be made by visiting www.americandogrescue.org/donate or calling (801) 944-3023.

Animal Rescue Corps is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to end animal suffering through direct and compassionate action, and to inspire the highest ethical standards of humanity towards animals. For information, visit www.animalrescuecorps.org.