By GINNY COOPER / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA—The Shelby Humane Society will host a party on June 1 to kick-off the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100k Challenge.

The challenge, which will grant the shelter the opportunity to win from $5,000 to $100,000 from ASPCA, is a “huge opportunity” for the humane society, Meghan Wayman, adoptions manager for the SCHS said.

“It’s a huge opportunity for us to take this national competition and use it as a great motivator and good opportunity to pull the community together,” Wayman said.

The party, which will begin at 1 p.m. at the Shelby Humane Society on 381 McDow Road in Columbiana, will include a variety of fun, family-friendly activities.

The Cool Spot Shaved Ice Truck from Montevallo and Masquerade face painting from Alabaster will be on site, and Roverchase of Pelham will host a special “Ask the Trainer” session, where pet owners can ask questions of professional trainers.

“You can ask anything from ‘Why is my dog always barking?’ to ‘Why does my dog charge the door?’” Wayman said.

SCHS will also host a volunteer drive during the event, with opportunities ranging from volunteer transporters to foster homes.

Foster homes are vitally important for the shelter as they provide “many more places these animals can be housed to decrease stress, work on behavioral problems and give them more time to find a home,” Wayman said.

The SCHS will offer “fabulous adoption specials,” which will be a surprise on the day of the event.

Though the SCHS has not set a specific goal for the number of animals to be adopted during the event, Wayman hopes the organization can break the current goal of 49 adoptions during an event.

Low cost spay and neuter sign-up will also be available during the party, with coordinators on hand to help Shelby County residents find the best, low cost option for their pet.

“We know spay/ neuter is the answer,” Wayman said, and emphasized the impact having animals spayed and neutered makes on the amount of animals that end up in a shelter.