Walter and Sheila Umphrey have donated $1-million to The Humane Society of Southeast Texas.
The announcement was made this morning at the Provost Umphrey Law Firm on Park Street in Beaumont.
The Humane Society says generous gift will the non-profit organization to begin construction of a new facility to better promote animal welfare throughout the area.
The plans are still in the beginning stages, with a search for a new location underway and the architect to design the facility to be named on Monday, April 4, 2011.
The new facility should incorporate separate areas for current animals and new animals arriving that will be screened for disease and a new cat area.
Additionally, there will be a viewing area where families can choose the pet that is right for them and begin adoption proceedings.
Susan Tony, Director of The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, stated "I was completely overwhelmed when I was told about the donation from Walter and Sheila Umphrey. This will enable us to fulfill many hopes and plans for our organization and will allow us to take care of so many needy animals in our area. I was thrilled when the opportunity to work with The Humane Society came about and it's a happy day every day that I come to work and am able to work with animals and find good homes for them. When I see donations from area youth groups, school groups and even children giving their birthday money, I am reminded of the good people in our communities. And then to see the generosity of Walter and Sheila makes me realize how blessed I am to have the opportunity to work with people that have such a heart for helpless animals."
Walter and Sheila Umphrey say they are committed to charitable donations for a number of civic causes and institutions.
"Sheila and I have always been animal lovers" Walter Umphrey said, "and we noticed that the Humane Society of Southeast Texas building was in a state of disrepair. We wanted to help, and are proud to donate to help build a new facility for them. We hope that everyone that hears of our donation will give what they can to help make this program a huge success. If you love animals, you'll love to give."
Some of these recognizable donations include a donation for the construction of the Sheila and Walter Umphrey Law Center at Baylor, land at Mesquite Point on the southern tip of Pleasure Island in Port Arthur for a state park and monetary donation for the development of a coastal marsh exhibit for the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife Sea Center, the Walter Umphrey Cancer Center, donation to Lamar University for the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center, and of course the donation that helped return collegiate football to Southeast Texas, the Provost Umphrey Stadium at Lamar University in Beaumont.
