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Cape Ann Animal Aid's “Wing of Hope '' will expand lifesaving efforts

We have reached our original fundraising goal for the Wing of Hope thanks to our animal-loving community! Thank you to everyone who has made this important project possible, and special thanks to the incredible generosity of Ms. Yvonne Wood in honor of her late husband Walter.

Construction has uncovered additional work needed. Please see below for current updates.
JULY 2024 UPDATE: Construction has uncovered some unexpected needs of the original building. Our fundraising efforts will continue so we can upgrade our facility as part of the ongoing project and to meet future maintenance needs of the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter. 
As part of the original construction plan, siding from the Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter was removed from the right side of the building. This siding would be repurposed as part of the new Wing of Hope addition, to match the look of the current building. It was discovered during construction that the exterior panels on the main building did not have a watertight seal and the batt insulation behind the panels had fallen. These factors combined to cause significant heat/cold loss and excessive energy usage in the original building. In order to improve the existing structure, the siding panels on the existing building will all be replaced with the same panels being used on the Wing of Hope addition, preventing future water damage and reducing energy usage.  
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Costs for this update total $249,630, however only $193,301 is needed to cover the expense. While not part of our original project or budget, the best time to update is now, while construction is still ongoing. You can help us overcome this final hurdle by donating today!
Original insulation in main building
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Gifts can be made online, by cash, check, stocks, or pledge commitment in person or by mail.
​PROJECT UPDATES
August 2023: Architectural and Engineering plan finalized. Selected Joset Construction and submitted Building Permit. In addition to her initial gift, Ms. Wood is invited CAAA friends and supporters to assist our effort by committing an additional $250,000 matching grant. 
September 2023: Received Building Permit. Supporters Gail and Mike Lynch offered an additional matching gift of up to $12,000 to help us reach our $250k match goal. 
October 2023: On October 4th, we broke ground on the building project. We met Mrs. Wood's matching gift and increased our total raised for the project to $1.5M.
December 2023: Construction has begun with Joset Corporation.
February 2024: Foundation has been poured and steel frame installed.
March 2024: Exterior walls have been installed.
April 2024:  Washing machine and dryers installed on the second floor in our kennel and cat prep areas.
May 2024: Interior framing has been completed, blocking and sheet-rock is being hung.
June 2024: FRP paneling installed and application of epoxy flooring begun
Thank you to our Wing of Hope Donors!
"WING OF HOPE" ADDITION FEATURES:
PLANNED UPGRADES TO CURRENT BUILDING:
  • Veterinary recovery room​
  • 3 new isolation housing rooms
  • Laundry for first floor 
  • Indoor enrichment space
  • Adoption offices
  • Expanding Cat Adoption area & new housing
  • Adding laundry facilities to 2nd floor
  • Improved storage for animal supplies​
  • Rooftop solar panels
  • Updating 10-year-old current isolation space
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​“Making a positive impact on the lives of people brings you a joy that few other things can compare to.  Walter loved animals and he wanted to do his part to help them, so it gives me great pleasure to be able to help people and pets in his memory.”-Yvonne Wood
Walter with beloved pets Claude and Theo
Over the past few years, CAAA has expanded its Shelter Medicine program and now has a procedure room, a full time veterinarian and veterinary technicians.  CAAA provides additional services to pets in our community through programs to provide free spay and neuter for low-income pet owners and  hosting low cost vaccine and microchipping clinics.  

CAAA’s volunteer and community programs incorporate education in animal training and behavior and veterinary medicine. CAAA visits schools, hospitals and assisted living residences, is involved in library reading programs, volunteer training, shelter internship opportunities, and the newly created 4 Paws For Kids youth education programs.  ​
CAAA is truly blessed to have the support of such an incredible community of animal lovers. This new addition will allow us to improve the services we provide for the animals in our care and increase our capacity to serve our community.  We will be creating safe space for people and pets.

Over 15 years ago, CAAA launched its first capital campaign to raise money to build the existing Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter on 4 Paws Lane. Since opening the new shelter in 2012, CAAA has seen tremendous growth in saving homeless animals through transportation efforts, an expanded shelter medicine program, community outreach programs and its new animal behavior program. 
After working with architects and building advisors to create a building plan, CAAA is ready to move forward and is asking our supporters for help.

For more information, please contact Cindy Dunn, Campaign Co-Chair at [email protected], 978 764 8850; or Sunniva Buck, Executive Director, [email protected]  978 283 6055 ext 102 to learn about other ways to support CAAA’s Capital Campaign. ​
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Matching gifts can be made online, by check, stocks, or a pledge commitment. Checks can be mailed to the shelter at:
​4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930
Cape Ann Animal Aid Physical Plant Committee
​Steven Howard
Carolyn Benson
Robert Gulla
Cris Peterson
​Deborah Eliason
​Tessa Browne
Cape Ann Animal Aid Capital Campaign Committee
​Cindy Dunn (Chairperson)
Deborah Eliason
Kate Glidden
Lindsy Owens
​Tessa Browne
Cape Ann Animal Aid • Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter • 4 Paws Lane • Gloucester, MA • 01930 • 978.283.6055 • MDAR License #0102
© Copyright 2020 Cape Ann Animal Aid • All rights reserved.