October 15- Our Long-Awaited Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening! Wow, what a long road we had. Five years of planning. Over a year and a half of construction. And finally, DONE! Read about the renovation in our "blog" Read the reasons why we had to renovate and the philosophy behind the design On October 15, we had our Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. It was very exciting! It takes two photos to get the cast of characters in, which means a Senator and a Mayor get double billing, oh well. From left to right (covering both photos): Building Committee and Board Member Laurie Garrison; Senator Joseph Kyrillos; Board President Jerry Rosenthal; Board Member Harvey Greller (way in the back); Eatontown Mayor Gerry Tarantolo; Executive Director Ursula Goetz; Building Committee and Board Member Kim Ruane all wait to cut the ribbon:

Photos Courtesy of Matt Denton

And... DONE.   We are officially open!

Photo Courtesy of Matt Denton

Wow. Just cannot say that enough. WOW! It is finished! Done! Complete! WOWOWOWOW!

Photo Courtesy of Matt Denton

That night we had a great party for all the donors, staff and volunteers who supported the Capital Campaign as a big giant THANK YOU for their generosity. There was a lovely auction headed up by Lisa Anderson of The Breeze Radio, excellent food by Branches Catering (thank you John and Alissa!), and lovely music by the Andy McDonough Trio. It was a great night, thanks go to everyone who helped make this renovation possible, especially Belfer Communications (thank you Susan and George!) who ran the event flawlessly. Everyone's support helped make a significant difference to the thousands of homeless animals the MCSPCA cares for every year. Thousands of pets just like Emma (shown on the left with staff member Nikki) now wait for their second chance in housing designed to make them happier, healthier and more adoptable. Thank you!

Huge thanks go out to the following who helped make the evening extra special: Andy McDonough Trio Belfer Communications Best Buy Branches Catering Bungalow Hotel Cake, Bake and Roll Chelsea at The Grove City of Eatontown DiPasquale Designs Guaranteed Plants Hamilton Jewelers Hills Science Diet Be Scene Innovative Images McBain Valet Services NovelTeas Pier Village Poor Cat Designs Sue Barr Photography Trendy Sweets Whole Foods Thank You!

Photo Courtesy of Matt Denton

Read the great story in the Asbury Park Press:

Watch a video by Matt Denton on the history of the MCSPCA


A few more photos of the evening (unless otherwise noted, all photos by Matt Denton www.besceneimages.com):

Even the dogs got dressed for the occasion! Here is Leche wearing a lovely beaded scarf.	Congratulations to Executive Director Ursula Goetz, nearly 20 years of service and a new building to celebrate! (photo by Michael Sypniewski of the Asbury Park Press)	Ursula surprised her fellow Building Committee Members, Kim and Laurie, with crystal keys to the new building, causing tears all around!
Our Humane Law Enforcement Officers, Buddy Amato and Ronnie Ehrenspeck, looked great!	Kitty want some great food from Branches? (photo provided by Branches)	Thanks go to George Marcouiller (shown on the left) and JC Lugli (not shown) of BurMarc Construction Group for a great job on the building!
Lisa Anderson of the Breeze had a little help with her auction duties.	People had a great time!	Crowded quarters! A lot of people were there to help us celebrate.
Lulu taking a nap, probably dreaming of good veggies! (photo provided by Branches)	Our Thrift Store Manager Lisa with dedicated Thrift Store volunteer Pauline standing in front of our new Woof n' Whiskers Boutique (photo by MCSPCA)	Stephanie and Kelly from our Development Department finally get to enjoy themselves after much hard work! (photo by MCSPCA)
Staffers Kathy and Nancy got all glittery! (photo by MCSPCA)	So did staffers Barbara and Nancy (photo by MCSPCA)	Ronnie, Ursula and Nancy again! Nancy looks beautiful, she should be in more photos!(photo by MCSPCA)

Saint Spouse Bob and Kim (photo by MCSPCA)	Laurie and her Saint Spouse Randy (photo by MCSPCA)	Ursula and her very supportive family. Congratulations Ursula! (photo by MCSPCA).
Don't forget why the renovation was done in the first place- The animals! (photo of Chester the cat by Michael Sypniewski of the Asbury Park Press)	Branches highlighted some adorable adoptables on their serving trays! (photo provided by Branches)	To everyone who helped make possible the new Monmouth County SPCA and Homeward Bound Adoption Center, THANK YOU.