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The event will benefit the Humane Society Serving Clark County.
Roger Ganley, executive director of the Humane Society, found several challenges when he arrived from Mentor Ohio to take over the organization last fall. The organization’s funding was slashed by $200,000 and staff was reduced to three full-time and two part-time employees.
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“We needed to start thinking outside the box,” said Ganley.
Inspired by a ghost story event here, Ganley contacted Willis, who he’s worked with in the past. As a bonus, Columbus resident Willis, who loves animals, is doing the event for free.
The evening will start with refreshments and appetizers followed by the presentation, at 7:45 p.m.. It will feature a mixture of Willis’s book topics and paranormal investigations, from weird to haunted.
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“He loves to talk and will have his books available,” Ganley said. “It’s also family-friendly.”
Ganley said proceeds will alleviate the Humane Society’s expenses and he’ll be grateful for whatever the event brings.
“If we make $200 that buys medicine for dogs,” he said. “$500 would be wonderful. It all adds up”
Ganley would like to bring several changes to the Humane Society facility at 5201 Urbana Rd. to improve the conditions for the pets it accepts and for those who adopt.
One recent morning the staff arrived to find a litter of kittens dropped off at the door. While that’s not recommended, Ganley, his staff and volunteers are working to meet such challenges.
“We want people to know we’re doing everything we can to save the animals,” he said.
Tickets cost $25 and are available at the Humane Society office or at the Heritage Center the night of the event.
The Humane Society will also sponsor another fundraiser, the Mutt Strut, on May 27 in Clifton.
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