Press Release

Contact:

Heidi Williamson, Director of Communications

heidiw@bccf.org

610.685.2223

Reading (September 18, 2008) – It’s the cats versus the dogs this October at Book Warehouse at the VF Outlet Center in Wyomissing, where half of the proceeds from the sale of pet scrapbooks and other pet-related books will benefit the Pets in Need Fund.

The Pets in Need fund was established by Pam Ely of Shillington in 2005 to provide grants for the veterinary treatment of pets in life-threatening situations. The fund is administered by Berks County Community Foundation.

“It’s a small but growing fund,” Ely said. “Every scrapbook we sell or donation that’s made can really make a difference in how many pets get helped each year.”

Since the fund was established, it’s provided grants to save the lives of three dogs, one cat and a cockatiel. In each case, the owner could not afford treatment for a beloved pet that the veterinarian felt could be saved with medical care.

“No one should have to make the choice to put a pet with a treatable condition to sleep for purely financial reasons,” Ely said. “I know that for every pet we save through a grant from the Pets in Need Fund there are many more that could be helped. That’s why I’m so pleased that my employer has agreed to help raise money for the fund through this contest.”

Ely has worked at the Book Warehouse for five years as a bookseller. With her manager, Lisa Missimer, as an advocate, Ely convinced the corporate headquarters of the company to allow the local store to run this promotion.

During the entire month of October, Book Warehouse will donate 50% of its proceeds on the sale of pet scrapbooks and other designated pet-related books at the Wyomissing store to benefit the fund. With every purchase, customers can cast a vote for their favorite pet – cats or dogs – with another area of the store set aside to vote for other animal parties, like birds or hamsters. The “winning” animal will be announced in early November after all of the votes are tabulated.

In addition, everyone who makes a donation of $1 or more will receive a free VF coupon book.

Finally, Ely would like to see children get involved by bringing in a drawing of their pets to hang in the store.

“This is a great way to support the local community,” Ely said, “and to give some very needy pets a second chance to be with their loving owners.”

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Berks County Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that serves as a civic leader for our region by developing, managing and distributing funds to meet existing and emerging community needs. The foundation currently manages $47 million in charitable assets, which provide more than $2.3 million in grants and scholarships annually for the region. For more information, log on to www.bccf.org or call 610.685.2223.