Southport Student Launches Charity to Benefit Animal Shelters

As the end of summer draws near, Southport student Elena Ault, 11, can consider her vacation a success.

Ault launched the charity "Pennies 4 Pounds" this month. Her goal with Pennies 4 Pounds is to raise money for animal shelters, humane societies, rescue groups, animal rights organizations, and pounds. She plans to fundraise through events like dog walks, lemonade stands, and car washes, as well as through the Pennies 4 Pounds website.  

Ault's family adopted a two-year-old Maltese/poodle mix named Tess from a Tennessee animal shelter in 2011. That same year, they doped Bill, a cockatiel from a shelter in Rhode Island. Both animals have become an important part of the family, Ault said in an email.

"The experience of looking for pets from rescue organizations, pounds, and shelters made me realize how many pets are waiting to be adopted into loving homes. I also learned about the important services these groups provide and that they often rely on fundraising to pay for their operating costs," Ault said.

And so she created Pennies 4 Pounds.

"These groups and organizations are places that help animals have a safe, healthy 'place to be' until loving homes can be found for them. They also provide low cost spay/neuter services, veterinary care, and help prevent animal cruelty," Ault added.

Recently, the charity received approval to fundraise on behalf of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

In addition to the site, Ault created a Facebook page and Twitter account. Keep updated on upcoming Pennies 4 Pounds fundraisers by following Ault's accounts, or head straight to the donation page on the website.