Friends of Hays Dog Park partners with Heartland Community Foundation

3/6/2013

Special to The Hays Daily News

Mendi Alexander, chairwoman of the Heartland Community Foundation, and Kim Perez, president of Friends of the Hays Dog Park, announced the two organizations have partnered and are working toward the realization of a dog park in Hays.

"This partnership is a perfect fit," Alexander said. "Community foundations exist for the purpose of helping charities and organizations with worthwhile programs and projects that make our communities better places in which to live. Our foundation is happy to help the Friends of the Hays Dog Park see their dream come true."

Perez added, "Working closely with the Heartland Community Foundation will allow us to pursue grants from a variety of companies, businesses and other foundations. We will initially establish a provisional fund with the foundation because it will simplify bill paying as we progress with the park's construction. After the park is completed, our plans are to permanently endow a fund that will support the park's maintenance for years to come."

Perez also said her organization wanted to thank the city of Hays and all of the residents who have given a gift toward the park's construction. "Because of some great friends of the dog park, we've have a wonderful start toward our goal of $127,000. We know we've got a long way to go, but with the help and financial support of animal lovers, this beautiful park will become a reality."

Bob Lowen, executive director of the Heartland Community Foundation, said, "A dog park will be a great addition to Hays, a growing, vibrant city. Any person or organization interested in seeing the dog park become a reality can donate to the cause. Send tax deductible checks, made out to the Heartland Community Foundation, to P.O. Box 1673, Hays, KS, 67601, and earmark the gift for the Hays Dog Park."