Bradenton crowdfunding campaign raises thousands for ailing animal shelter in Bahamas

A crowdfunding campaign that went viral raised more than $15,000 for an animal shelter in the Bahamas that was devastated during hurricane season.

The fundraiser began when Marshall Gobuty, president of Mirabella Florida, learned that the Humane Society of Grand Bahama in Freeport, the same place where he adopted his dog, Lucky, was in need of food and medical supplies.

“We will get through these tough times, we have done it before and will again, but right now we could really use some extra help,” Humane Society of Grand Bahama officials said in a plea for help on its crowdfunding website.

Under Gobuty’s leadership, Mirabella, an active adult community in Bradenton, launched a GoFundMe campaign for relief donations. With a goal of raising $7,500 in two weeks, Gobuty agreed to match up to $5,000 of donations with his own money.

“It was the least we could do to help,” Gobuty said. “When I heard my potcake Lucky’s very own brothers and sisters were in need, I had to do something. I couldn’t bear the thought of them going another day without the supplies they need to stay alive.”

The campaign was more successful than they imagined. In five days, $4,500 in donations came in. The surge of donations prompted Gobuty to increase his donation match offer to $7,500. As of Monday, more than $15,000 has been raised, including Gobuty’s contribution.

Gobuty adopted Lucky from the Humane Society of Grand Bahama in 2010 while his family lived in the Bahamas. After moving to Bradenton, he stayed in contact with the shelter and helped any way he could, said Tip Burrows, executive director of the Humane Society.

“When I reached out in desperation a few weeks ago, he, his family and his company sprang into action and we could not be more grateful,” Burrows said of Gobuty. “There truly are human angels among us, and Marshall, his family and his company are living proof.”

The matching period for Gobuty’s donation has ended, but the GoFundMe page will stay active so more money can be sent to the shelter.

Because of the popularity of the fundraiser, Mirabella hopes to initiate similar contribution drives in the future.

This story was originally published November 20, 2017 at 10:37 AM with the headline "Bradenton crowdfunding campaign raises thousands for ailing animal shelter in Bahamas."