A Five-Year Quest Ends in a $6,915 Windfall for Local Animals
In a world often dominated by stories of large corporations and grand gestures, sometimes the most inspiring tales come from the unwavering dedication of a single individual. This is precisely the narrative of Roger Moore, a man whose five-year odyssey to recover dormant funds culminated in a significant windfall for local animals, specifically three deserving animal shelters in Kentucky. What started as an obscure listing on an unclaimed property website transformed into a mission that brought $6,915.50 back into the community, providing a much-needed boost to animal welfare.
The journey began not with a grand vision of philanthropy, but with a forgotten past. The Bowling Green Kennel Club, once a vibrant organization dedicated to promoting purebred dogs, offering educational programs, and teaching obedience for competitions, had faded into history. Formed in the early ‘70s, the club was a hub for dog enthusiasts like Roger Moore, who actively raised and showed miniature Poodles and Whippets. However, as the ‘80s progressed, membership dwindled due to job relocations, family commitments, and the natural ebb and flow of life. The club, though inactive, was never formally dissolved, leaving its collected dues in a CD and checking account, quietly gathering dust until they were eventually turned over to the Kentucky State Treasurer as unclaimed property.
The Echoes of a Bygone Era: How Funds Became Unclaimed
The story of the Bowling Green Kennel Club is a poignant reminder of how community organizations, once thriving, can gradually become inactive, leaving behind assets that no longer have an apparent owner. For years, the club’s remaining funds sat in financial institutions, accumulating interest but serving no purpose. Eventually, in accordance with state laws designed to protect consumers and reunite them with their money, these assets were declared unclaimed property and escheated to the Kentucky State Treasurer. This vital process ensures that forgotten accounts, uncashed checks, security deposits, and other forms of monetary value don't simply vanish but are held in trust until their rightful owners or their legal representatives can claim them. It's a common occurrence across the nation, with billions of dollars collectively awaiting their owners.
It was in August of 2015 that Roger Moore, a former officer and board member of the defunct club, stumbled upon the listing for the Bowling Green Kennel Club on the state’s Unclaimed Property website. For many, this might have been an interesting curiosity, a fleeting thought of what once was. But for Roger, it ignited a spark. He saw an opportunity not for personal gain, but for the greater good. His immediate thought was to channel these forgotten funds back into the community, specifically towards animal welfare – a cause close to his heart, evident from his years with the Kennel Club. This marked the true beginning of his extraordinary five-year hunt, a testament to his dedication to ensuring this unexpected money would become a true windfall for local animals.
Roger Moore's Unwavering Quest: A Five-Year Hunt for Benevolence
Roger Moore's mission was anything but straightforward. Recovering unclaimed property, especially on behalf of a defunct organization, requires navigating a labyrinth of legalities and administrative hurdles. Undeterred, Roger first sought advice from Butler County Attorney Richard Deye. Mr. Deye provided invaluable guidance, contacting the Kentucky State Treasurer and outlining the various options for reclaiming the funds. The challenge was immense: to formally release the money, the Bowling Green Kennel Club's Board of Directors needed to convene and authorize the disbursement. This meant tracking down individuals who had been active members over four decades ago, many of whom had relocated, remarried, divorced, or even passed away.
For five arduous years, Roger tirelessly worked through the list of potential contacts. It was a painstaking process, often feeling like a detective's work, piecing together fragments of old information and following countless leads. Each phone call, each email, each letter sent was a step closer to his goal. The dedication required was immense, a true example of how one person's persistence can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Finally, on June 12th, 2020, Roger's perseverance paid off. He successfully located and contacted five former board members of the Bowling Green Kennel Club.
The culmination of this incredible effort took place amidst the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The board members, scattered across different locations, held an online meeting, a sign of the times, to discuss the situation and formally authorize the release of the funds. Documents were meticulously mailed, signed, and returned to Roger, who then compiled the collection and submitted them to the Kentucky State Treasurer. This meticulous process underscores the importance of proper documentation when dealing with unclaimed funds, ensuring transparency and legal compliance.
This remarkable journey truly highlights the impact one dedicated individual can have. To learn more about how similar efforts can benefit local animal welfare, you might be interested in Local Windfalls: How Unexpected Money Boosts Animal Shelters.
The $6,915.50 Windfall: A New Lease on Life for Animal Shelters
In August of 2020, five years after Roger first spotted the listing, the Kentucky State Treasurer issued a check for $6,915.50. This unexpected money, a direct result of Roger’s relentless pursuit, was turned over to him for disbursement. As decided by the Bowling Green Kennel Club Board of Directors, the funds were to be equally divided among three vital county animal shelters: the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society, the Barren River Animal Welfare Association, and the Butler County Animal Shelter. Each organization received a substantial donation of $2,305.17, with Roger humorously adding the extra four cents to ensure perfect equality among the three recipients.
This financial injection provides critical support for these shelters, which often operate on tight budgets and rely heavily on donations and volunteer efforts. A windfall for local animals of this magnitude can make a significant difference, funding anything from essential medical supplies and veterinary care to food, shelter maintenance, and adoption programs. It represents a tangible improvement in the quality of life for countless animals awaiting their forever homes, offering them comfort, safety, and a second chance.
Roger Moore’s perspective on the entire five-year process is simple yet profound: “It was well worth the endless hours it took for the welfare of a lot of animals.” His words encapsulate the selfless spirit of his endeavor, proving that the time and effort invested in a worthy cause yield immeasurable rewards, far beyond monetary value. For more on this specific outcome, see From Old Club Funds to New Hope: $6,915 Blesses Kentucky Animal Shelters.
Finding Your Own Windfall: The Power of Unclaimed Property Searches
The story of the Bowling Green Kennel Club and Roger Moore is a powerful illustration of the vast pool of unclaimed property that exists nationwide. It's estimated that billions of dollars are held by state treasuries, waiting to be claimed by individuals, businesses, and even defunct organizations. Many people are unaware they might have unclaimed funds, making a proactive search an often-rewarding endeavor. This isn't just about large sums; even small amounts can add up or, as in Roger's case, be channeled for significant community benefit.
Tips for Searching for Unclaimed Funds:
- Start with Your State's Treasurer: Every state has an official unclaimed property division. A quick search for "[Your State] Unclaimed Property" will lead you to the official website.
- Use MissingMoney.com: This is a free, secure national database endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). It allows you to search multiple states at once.
- Search Under All Names: If you've ever changed your name (e.g., marriage, divorce), search under all previous names. Similarly, search for relatives, deceased family members, and any organizations you've been associated with.
- Check for Different Types of Property: Unclaimed property isn't just cash. It can include forgotten utility deposits, insurance proceeds, uncashed payroll checks, stock dividends, safe deposit box contents, and more.
- Be Wary of Scams: Legitimate unclaimed property services will not charge you a fee to search. If someone offers to find your money for a percentage, they are often known as "finders" or "heirs locators" and may charge a fee for information you can find for free.
- Consider Deceased Relatives: If you are an executor or heir, investigate unclaimed property for deceased family members. This can sometimes uncover significant assets.
Imagine if even a fraction of these dormant funds could be directed towards local causes, multiplying the impact seen in Bowling Green. The potential for a wider windfall for local animals and other charitable efforts is immense.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Persistence and Compassion
Roger Moore's five-year hunt is more than just a tale of recovering forgotten money; it's a profound narrative about human compassion, relentless persistence, and the enduring power of community. His dedication transformed an abstract sum on a government website into a tangible windfall for local animals, providing comfort and care to vulnerable creatures. This story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of complex bureaucracy and time-consuming challenges, one individual's commitment can create a lasting legacy of hope and support. It inspires us all to consider how forgotten resources, when discovered and thoughtfully directed, can bring unexpected blessings to our communities and their most vulnerable members.