From Forgotten Funds to wagging Tails: A Kentucky Tale of Perseverance
In a world often filled with disheartening news, some stories shine brightly, reminding us of the profound impact one individual's dedication can have. This is precisely the case for Roger Moore of Morgantown, Kentucky. What began as a discovery on an unclaimed property website ultimately blossomed into a heartwarming windfall for local animals, injecting $6,915.50 into three deserving animal shelters across the state. His remarkable five-year journey to revive the forgotten legacy of the Bowling Green Kennel Club and direct its dormant funds towards animal welfare is a testament to unwavering commitment and the power of unexpected generosity.
This isn't just a story about money; it's about the lives it will touch – the countless cats and dogs awaiting their forever homes, the crucial medical treatments that can now be afforded, and the vital community programs that will receive a much-needed boost. It highlights how even a relatively modest sum, when directed with purpose, can create ripples of hope and tangible change for vulnerable creatures.
The Genesis of a Generous Act: Unearthing the Bowling Green Kennel Club's Legacy
To truly appreciate this unexpected blessing, we must first journey back to the early 1970s. That's when Roger Moore first joined the Bowling Green Kennel Club, an active organization dedicated to promoting the sport of purebred dogs, offering educational programs, and teaching obedience and training for competitions. Roger, a passionate enthusiast, was an active member from near its inception, known for raising and showing miniature Poodles and Whippets.
The club thrived for years, fostering a community of dog lovers and dedicated breeders. However, as often happens with volunteer-run organizations, membership eventually began to dwindle. Job relocations, family commitments, and the passage of time took their toll, leading to a gradual decline in activity. Crucially, the club was never officially dissolved. As a result, funds collected from dues and other activities sat untouched in a Certificate of Deposit and a checking account. Over time, these dormant assets were eventually turned over to the Kentucky State Treasurer as unclaimed property – a common fate for forgotten accounts, safety deposit box contents, and other financial assets.
Fast forward to August 2015. It was then that Roger Moore, one of the club's past officers and board members, stumbled upon the listing for the Bowling Green Kennel Club on the Kentucky Unclaimed Property website. A spark ignited. He realized that this forgotten money could be reclaimed, not for personal gain, but for the benefit of the very community the club once served – specifically, its county-run animal shelters. This discovery set in motion an extraordinary, five-year endeavor to transform forgotten history into future hope.
A Five-Year Odyssey: Navigating Bureaucracy for a Noble Cause
Roger Moore's vision was clear, but the path to achieving it was anything but. The process of reclaiming unclaimed property, especially for a defunct organization, is often complex and requires significant persistence. Undeterred, Roger immediately sought advice from Butler County Attorney Richard Deye. Mr. Deye contacted the Kentucky State Treasurer's office and presented Roger with a list of options, each posing its own set of challenges.
One of the most formidable hurdles was locating former board members from forty years prior. These individuals had relocated, remarried, divorced, or, tragically, even passed away. This required painstaking detective work, reaching out to old contacts, and following faint trails of information. It was a true testament to Roger's unwavering commitment that he pressed on, driven by the knowledge that this money could make a real difference for vulnerable animals.
The culmination of this tireless effort came on June 12th, 2020. Despite the restrictions associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, five surviving board members had been located and contacted. They convened in an online meeting, a modern solution to a decades-old problem. During this virtual gathering, they were apprised of the situation and, after reviewing the necessary documents, authorized the release of the funds. Documents were mailed, received, signed, and then meticulously returned to Roger, who compiled them and submitted the complete collection to the Kentucky State Treasurer. You can read more about this dedicated effort in Five-Year Hunt: Unclaimed Funds Become $6,915 Windfall for Animals.
Finally, in August 2020, after five years of dedicated effort, a check was issued by the state treasurer for $6,915.50. The funds were then turned over to Roger Moore for disbursement. As decided by the Board of Directors of the Bowling Green Kennel Club, the money would be equally distributed among three vital animal shelters:
- Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society
- Barren River Animal Welfare Association
- Butler County Animal Shelter
Each shelter received a generous donation of $2,305.18, with Roger even furnishing the extra four cents to ensure perfect equality. When asked about the extensive process, Roger reflected, "It was well worth the endless hours it took for the welfare of a lot of animals." His words encapsulate the true spirit of this remarkable achievement.
The Impact of a Small Windfall: How $6,915 Transforms Lives
While $6,915.50 might not seem like a massive sum in the grand scheme of things, for local animal shelters, it represents a substantial and critical injection of resources. Animal shelters operate on incredibly tight budgets, relying heavily on donations, grants, and volunteer efforts to provide essential care for thousands of animals each year. This windfall for local animals directly translates into tangible improvements and support:
- Life-Saving Medical Care: Funds can cover vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, emergency vet visits for injured animals, and treatment for common ailments like parasites or respiratory infections. Each dollar can literally save a life.
- Food and Supplies: A constant need for shelters, this donation can ensure hundreds of animals receive nutritious meals, warm bedding, and essential enrichment toys, making their stay more comfortable and less stressful.
- Facility Upgrades: Even small improvements to kennels, cat rooms, or play areas can significantly enhance the quality of life for resident animals and make the shelter more inviting for potential adopters.
- Community Outreach Programs: Funds can support adoption events, educational initiatives, and low-cost spay/neuter clinics, which are vital for reducing pet overpopulation and promoting responsible pet ownership in the community.
- Staff and Volunteer Support: While often stretched thin, shelters need resources to recruit, train, and support the dedicated individuals who care for the animals every day.
This story beautifully illustrates how unexpected money, even from long-forgotten sources, can become a beacon of hope. It underscores the profound difference that individual initiative and collective decision-making can make for the welfare of animals. Roger Moore's tireless efforts remind us that every penny counts when it comes to providing care, comfort, and a second chance for pets in need. Learn more about how such unexpected funds can benefit animal welfare in Local Windfalls: How Unexpected Money Boosts Animal Shelters.
Beyond the Story: Practical Tips for Uncovering Unclaimed Property and Supporting Local Animals
Roger Moore's journey serves as a powerful inspiration, demonstrating that perseverance can yield incredible results for worthy causes. This tale also offers valuable lessons for all of us:
For Individuals: How to Search for Unclaimed Property
Many people are unaware that they might have unclaimed property waiting for them. Millions of dollars go unclaimed every year. Here’s how you can search:
- Check State Treasury Websites: Each state has an unclaimed property division, usually accessible through its State Treasurer's office website. A quick search for "[Your State] unclaimed property" will lead you to the official portal.
- Use MissingMoney.com: This is a free, national database endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). It allows you to search for unclaimed property across most U.S. states and provinces simultaneously.
- What to Look For: Unclaimed property can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, utility deposits, insurance policy payouts, safe deposit box contents, stock dividends, and more.
- Be Patient and Thorough: Searching for unclaimed property is usually free. Be wary of third-party services that charge a fee upfront to find your money.
- Consider Donating: If you find a small amount of unclaimed property and don't need it, consider following Roger Moore's lead and donating it to a local animal shelter or another charity close to your heart.
For Communities and Animal Advocates: Supporting Local Animal Shelters
Even without a substantial windfall, there are countless ways to support your local animal shelters and contribute to the welfare of local animals:
- Adopt, Don't Shop: The most direct way to help is to adopt a pet from a shelter. This frees up space for another animal and gives a loving home to a deserving companion.
- Volunteer Your Time: Shelters always need help with walking dogs, socializing cats, cleaning kennels, assisting with events, or even administrative tasks.
- Foster a Pet: Fostering a pet, especially those needing extra care, helps reduce stress on shelter facilities and provides a temporary loving environment for animals before adoption.
- Donate Supplies: Beyond monetary donations, shelters often need blankets, towels, food, toys, cleaning supplies, and office supplies. Check their website or call to see their specific needs.
- Spread Awareness: Share success stories, adoption posts, and educational content from your local shelters on social media. Encourage friends and family to support their mission.
- Consider Leaving a Legacy: For organizations with dormant funds, like the Bowling Green Kennel Club, ensuring proper dissolution or establishing a clear charitable beneficiary in their bylaws can prevent funds from becoming unclaimed property in the first place.
Conclusion
The story of Roger Moore and the $6,915.50 windfall for local animals in Kentucky is a powerful narrative of determination, community spirit, and the enduring impact of a single individual's efforts. From the dusty archives of unclaimed property to the eagerly wagging tails at three vital animal shelters, this journey reminds us that every act of kindness and every moment of perseverance has the potential to create a profound and lasting difference. It’s a compelling example of how forgotten funds can spark new hope, illustrating that unexpected blessings, however big or small, can transform lives and build a better future for our beloved animal companions.