Howell High seniors present more than $291,000 to Livingston County Animal Shelter

Representatives of Howell High School’s Senior Survivor fundraiser told the Livingston County Board of Commissioners on June 22 that the student-led campaign raised a record amount for the county animal shelter.

Teresa Markham, lead counselor at Howell High School and a volunteer at the Livingston County Animal Shelter, said the check presented was for $287,235.17 and that more donations came in after printing, bringing the total above $291,000. "That amount isn't even accurate because once that check was printed, more money came in. We're actually at over $291,000," a presenter said.

Students who participated described community engagement activities that produced the result: puppy-yoga and other local fundraisers, broad business donations and team efforts. "The overwhelming support shown throughout Senior Survivor proves that this shelter matters deeply to the people of Livingston County," student Preston Barb said.

Shelter staff described planned uses for the donation: diagnostic equipment (x-ray/ultrasound) to reduce annual outside imaging costs; expanded, quieter kennel spaces for stressed animals; an enlarged play yard; and increased community outreach including low-cost veterinary clinics, microchip scanning and school-based education materials.

The board congratulated the students and volunteers and posed for a photo with the check. Shelter staff said the money will be managed through established donation channels and that project planning and space constraints remain next steps.

What happens next: Shelter staff will finalize expenditure plans (equipment, kennel and play-yard projects and outreach programming) and coordinate implementation with county administration and fundraising donors.