SPIRE & KS95 Raise Nearly $80,000 for Secondhand Hounds

For the second consecutive summer, SPIRE members, KS95 listeners, and animal lovers from throughout the region came together to raise tens of thousands of dollars for Secondhand Hounds through the Buck$ for Babe fundraiser.

Buck$ for Babe was started as a way to honor KS95 host and SPIRE member Crisco's beloved dog Babe after she passed away unexpectedly in June 2022. That initial fundraiser raised nearly $100,000 for local animal rescue Secondhand Hounds.

SPIRE and KS95 wanted to help Secondhand Hounds continue to say "yes" to thousands of animals in memory of Babe and beloved rescue pets just like her by making Buck$ for Babe an annual fundraising campaign. 

The campaign launched on June 12 with SPIRE pledging to match the first $10,000 in donations received. In just one day, that amount was exceeded! The credit union announced an additional $15,000 match, bringing its total donation to $25,000.

In total, the campaign raised nearly $80,000 for Secondhand Hounds in just one week.

"We are always amazed by the generosity of our Minnesota community," said Stephanie Johnson, SPIRE Director of Community Relations. "To be able to raise $80,000 in just one week is remarkable. We are so proud to partner with KS95 and Secondhand Hounds on this initiative, and we know that the funds raised will help improve the lives of so many animals - and their forever families."