The BISSELL Pet Foundation™ (BPF) is proud to sponsor the Kent County Animal Shelter’s (KCAS) Kick-Off Party for the 2012 ASPCA^®(American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Rachael Ray $100K Challenge. The party will kick off a three-month campaign to save pets in Kent County. KCAS joins 49 other shelters nationwide competing in the $100K Challenge.

On Saturday, Aug. 4, KCAS will open its doors with extended adoption hours for the public from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET (adoption applications will be accepted until 3 p.m.). In addition, the recent BISSELL Blocktail™ Grant of $41,000 awarded to KCAS by BPF has enabled special adoption fees for the event. Members of the community can adopt a cat for $5 or a dog for $50 plus the cost of a license.

KCAS Program Supervisor, Carly Luttmann, is encouraging potential adopters to visit the shelter early to complete an application to be preapproved for adoption. The preapproval process will highly expedite the adoption process the day of the event. KCAS reminds the community to “think adoption first” and save the life of a homeless pet. Luttmann reiterated, “Our knowledgeable staff would love to help you find a pet that’s a great match for your family.”

In addition to adoption specials, the event will feature pizza from Giorgio’s Pizza beginning at 11 a.m., free pet demonstrations and the chance to win BISSELL floorcare products.

KCAS ranked 27 of 108 shelters in the initial qualifying heat by obtaining the most online votes from community members. KCAS will enter the final stage of the Challenge, which runs from Aug.1 through Oct. 31, 2012, by competing to find homes for more cats and dogs during the same period in 2011. They hope to save at least 300 more lives during the Challenge to qualify for a portion of the $500,000 in prize grants up for grabs.

For more information on how to adopt from the Kent County Animal Shelter call (616) 632-7300. To learn more about the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge, visit http://challenge.aspcapro.org/