Ranch Ownership - Priceless!

Anyone who has owned, managed or even rented property knows that appliances, toilets, and other stuff sometime breakdown.  The Ranch was purchased in late September "as is".  While we were careful to look at the house, we knew that perhaps in a year or two something would need to be replaced.   The caretakers moved into the house in mid-October.  Since the property is out in the country, the house is heated/cooled with propane fuel.  Well, as luck would have it, the propane usage through the roof?  We had two propane fuel companies come out to make sure the tank and lines were in good operating order - they were.  We then had a heating and plumbing company come to look at the furnace.  Guess what???  The furnace needed to be replaced.  So, the new 90 % efficient furnace was installed today with all hopes this will stem the high propane usage.  The replacement cost, while not exorbitant, was not budgeted.  If anyone would like to send in $5 towards the "furnace fund", we would graciously accept the donation.  While we are proud of our new furnace and the efficiency it brings, the money we spent is money we cannot use to support our Ranch cats or the community outreach programs.  So if you don't want to support the furnace, support the cats of Central Illinois.  Thanks for listening!

Pepsi Refresh Grant Could Help Ranch

Hi Everyone!  One of our very first volunteer and youngest volunteer, Owen Ford, was able to sign the Ranch up for the Pepsi Refresh Grant Program.  We are in the running for a grant of $250,000.  Anyone that is familiar with this program will know that you have to be "johnny on the spot" to get an organization registered.  The slots fill up so incredibly fast.  Owen did her research!  She described our organization, our vision for central Illinois to be a no-kill community for cats, and our plans for renovating the buildings on our property.  Owen researched our business plan to find out the costs of the renovations.  What I didn't know is that the Pepsi Foundation researches each organization to make sure they are eligible.  We must have passed all the hurdles, because we are one of 309 organizations vying for 2 grants of $250,000! AWESOME!!!!!!  I know all of you are asking yourselves  "How Can I Help This Valiant Effort?"  Here's the answer, sweet and simple, go to:  http://www.refresheverything.com/felineranch, register and vote everyday.  Voting ends January 31, 2011.  We are currently ranked 103 of 309.  I know with every one's help, we could earn this grant.  The $250,000 will allow us to renovate the buildings without incurring more debt.  More importantly, we could help save the lives of so many cats!  Let's show Owen how much we appreciate her efforts and love for the Forever Home Feline Ranch!  Vote Every Day!!