Rescue Village to hold barn-naming party

Thanks to a gift from a benefactor, Geauga Humane Society Rescue Village is hosting a party to name its barn.

Thanks to a “dream come true” gift from a Northeast Ohio benefactor, Geauga Humane Society Rescue Village in Russell Township is hosting a party to name its barn.

The festivities are planned for Oct. 1 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and are a result of a monetary donation from the Billie Howland Steffee Family Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, according to a Rescue Village news release.

“The main dedication program will take place at 1:45 p.m. on Sunday,” the release reads, adding that refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

“A ‘dream come true’ gift from the Billie Howland Steffee Family Fund of the Cleveland Foundation provides a major financial contribution to help sustain the Rescue Village barn program,” writes Rescue Village Executive Director Hope Burstein in a Sept. 28 email exchange. “The size of the gift will be announced at the Sunday barn-naming celebration at Rescue Village.”

She said this “...event will bring together supporters of the barn’s efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome horses and farm animals from cruelty and neglect. Guests will include members of the equine and farm community, volunteers, animal lovers and friends and family of Billie Howland Steffee.”

Furthermore, she explained Steffee’s significance in the animal-welfare community: “Billie Howland Steffee passed away in 2016. She was a well-known and beloved horsewoman and philanthropist. Billie’s support for Rescue Village goes way back. When the shelter opened on Chillicothe Road in 2001, the state-of-the-art veterinary clinic was funded by Billie and named ‘Sarah’s Place’ in memory and honor of Billie’s daughter.

“Billie continued to support Rescue Village and has now cemented her legacy with this transformative gift.”

Burstein said guests will tour the barn and shelter; meet its occupants, take part in a short program; and enjoy light appetizers and refreshments.

The outdoor event is free. If you would like to attend, you must RSVP before Sunday.

Contact Rescue Village at 440.338.4819, ext. 40.