CUMBERLAND, ME (May 31, 2023) — The Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART) of Maine, an adoption center & shelter for cats in Cumberland, is thrilled to announce that this year’s March Meowness benefit fundraiser raised $6,088.84: Just under $2,000 more than last year’s event.

$2,511.84 of the proceeds will help pay for food, litter, and medications for the 80+ cats they have in their care at any one time: both at the shelter and in foster homes. $3,577 will go to The Burt Fund, which supports restoring and maintaining the health of injured stray cats that come into HART’s care with extensive medical needs.

The 2023 March Meowness Champion is Panda. Panda beat out 113 other ‘Cat-Testants’ (12 more than last year) for a year’s worth of bragging rights, and Panda’s family receives championship hoodies.

Andy Hanna, HART’s Operations Director, was thrilled with the success of this year’s event, noting, “Each year, we see the enthusiasm and participation grow, and we are very appreciative of everyone’s involvement.”

Janine Giustina, HART volunteer Development Committee Co-Chair, and Board Member, added, “Our sincere thanks goes out to Nate Hicks, who started this benefit on behalf of HART four years ago. There’s so much that goes into organizing this tournament, and Nate’s work within the local community to elevate HART’s mission by drumming up involvement and donations among HART’s supporters and area businesses is so valued by our organization.”

HART CELEBRATES

To celebrate this milestone, Mr. Hicks and the official March Meowness mascot, Marty, stopped by the HART shelter at 302 Range Road in Cumberland on Saturday to present the proceeds to Mr. Hanna and HART volunteers.

MORE WORK TO DO

March Meowness helped jumpstart HART’s 2023 fundraising efforts, and now, HART’s Spring Fundraising campaign is in full swing, with a goal to raise $50,000 by mid-June. The objective is to continue the organization’s work, sheltering and caring for cats in need, especially their longer-term residents with more complex and expensive medical needs, compounded by recent inflationary pressures.

Donations to HART’s Spring Fundraising Campaign can be made on HART’s website: hartofme.org. Checks are also accepted by mail, payable to HART of Maine. PO Box 351 Cumberland, ME 04021.

Homeless Animal Rescue Team of Maine Mailing Address: PO Box 351, Cumberland, ME 04021

Shelter Address: 302 Range Rd, Cumberland, ME 04021 207-829-4116 | info@hartofme.org | HARTofME.org

Left to right, Marty, the official March Meowness mascot; Andy Hanna, HART’s Operations Director, holding Norma Jean; and Tom Godsoe, HART Volunteer. Photo Credit: Janine Giustina