HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — From September 1 through September 30, the RHSPCA will celebrate One Gift, Twice the Hope, a month-long matching gift campaign with a community goal to raise $50,000 to unlock an additional $50,000 match, bringing the potential impact to $100,000 for the animals and people the organization serves.

According to Director of Development Sara Stone, the timing is especially meaningful for the shelter. Approximately 70% of the animals the RHSPCA will care for in an entire year arrive between May and September, making the summer months some of the organization’s busiest and most resource intensive.

This year reportedly brought an especially long and aggressive kitten season. At points throughout the summer, the RHSPCA has cared for more than 200 kittens alongside approximately 100 adult cats, while continuing to welcome dogs and other animals in need. Capacity challenges have led to repeated calls for foster families and community support as staff work to create space, provide medical care and ensure every animal has the opportunity to move toward a safe and loving home.

“One Gift, Twice the Hope is about showing our community that you do not have to make a huge gift to make a huge difference,” said Sara Stone. “A $10 gift becomes $20. A $20 gift becomes $40. And when thousands of people choose to participate in whatever way they can, that collective impact becomes extraordinary.”

Throughout September, the RHSPCA is inviting the community to join in through giving, fostering, volunteering, sharing adoptable animals, attending local events and simply helping spread the word.

“Animal welfare has always been a community effort,” Stone said. “Every adoption, every foster home, every volunteer shift, every shared post and every donation moves an animal forward. Our success belongs to all of us, and throughout September we hope our community will walk alongside us.”

September Community Events

The RHSPCA will be out in the community throughout the month, providing multiple opportunities to
connect with the organization, celebrate local partnerships and support the campaign.

September 4 | First Friday Art Opening
Gaines Group Architects | 5–7 p.m.

September 7 | CatVideoFest
Court Square Theater | Screenings at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
RHSPCA staff will be on-site for a special community pop-up.

September 16 | Dolly-Paw-ton Look-Alike Contest at Rootstock Wine Bar
Grab your wig and join us at Rootstock for a giveback night benefiting the animals! We’ll be celebrating
the Best Dolly, Doggy, and Dolly + Doggy Duet as part of a fun community night supporting the
September match.

September 18–20 | Mums for Mutts at Jon Henry General Store
Fall is almost here, and mums are the perfect way to welcome the season while helping animals.
Purchase mums from Jon Henry General Store in New Market September 18–20, and a portion of the
proceeds will benefit the RHSPCA.

September 19 | Pet Fair at Green Valley Book Fair 10–2 PM
Come see us at Green Valley Book Fair’s Pet Fair! The RHSPCA will be onsite connecting with animal
lovers and adoptable kittens.

September 20 | Shenandoah Valley Pride | 12–6 PM
We’re excited to join Shenandoah Pride and celebrate a community built on connection, belonging, and
love. Stop by the RHSPCA tent to say hello, learn more about our work, and discover ways to help local
animals.

September 23 | Paw Report on WHSV | 7 PM
Tune in to WHSV at 7pm as the RHSPCA joins the very first installment of the new Paw Report segment!
We’re excited to help launch this new feature and share more about the animals, people, and stories
behind our work.

September 24 | Plates for Pets at Friendly City Clay | 6–8 PM
Get creative for a cause at Friendly City Clay! Roz will lead a special pottery event, and the RHSPCA will
be onsite sharing more about our animals, our mission, and the September match.

September 30 | Final Day to Double Your Gift
One Gift, Twice the Hope concludes at midnight


Every gift made during the campaign will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.

“There are so many ways to be part of this,” Stone said. “September is our opportunity to show what happens when a community comes together around animals. One gift can become two. One foster home can create space for another animal. One shared story can lead to an adoption. Every action builds on another.”

The RHSPCA invites Harrisonburg, Rockingham County and surrounding communities to join in throughout all 30 days of September and help unlock the full $50,000 match.

To learn more about One Gift, Twice the Hope, make a gift, foster, volunteer or follow along with September activities, visit Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA.