What began with a donation of two guitars last January by Sumter County Commissioner Doug Gilpin now is coming to fruition.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this week to celebrate improvements at the county animal shelter.
Gilpin’s donation of autographed guitars kicked off a campaign to raise private funds for the improvements.
Commissioner Don Burgess, chairman of the Sumter County Board of Commissioners, said improvements include a shelter bullpen for large animals, play area, access gate, LED lighting, two large cooling fans, concrete driveway and fencing to improve kennel security.
“The chamber of commerce showed a strong leadership role,” he said.
The campaign did not reach its fund-raising goal of $600,000, but Gilpin said some contractors offered discounts.
Matt Gerig, president of the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, thanked commissioners for their assistance.
“I never thought it could be accomplished when it was first proposed,” he said.
The county’s efforts to upgrade its animal services began several years ago through a partnership with the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County to provide more opportunities for animal adoptions.
Two years ago, animal activists began attending board of commissioners meetings, demanding that the county establish a no-kill shelter.
Instead, County Administrator Bradley Arnold implemented a feral cat program where the animals are captured, vaccinated and neutered, then returned to their neighborhoods.
Through this program and other improvements, the county now often saves 90 percent of the animals it receives on a monthly basis, which is the same level as a no-kill shelter.