Press Release

New Non-Profit Announced at Press Conference:

Wednesday, January 24, 2007, 1:30 pm
1533 Amherst Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909

A new non-profit organization has been formed to help provide assistance in Blount County's pursuit to build a new Animal Care Center.

The Smoky Mountain Animal Care Foundation announced it has been formed to develop a public/private partnership with the end result being a new modern Animal Care Center in Blount County. This 501(c)(3) organization (pending) was formed with the assistance of ARFNets Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board Richard A.Yeag er, Jr., Julie K. Nelson of Nelson Realtors and Emily Straquadine along with Chris Protzman General Manager of Journal Broadcast Group - Knoxville Operations (all Blount County Residents) as a first step toward a long term solution to solve the Animal Control issues in Blount County.

Protzman-President of Smoky Mountain Animal Care Foundation stated, “I'm delighted we now have an organized community group that carries with it the commitment to partner with our elected officials and private industry to build an Animal Care Center that is modern, humane and flexible for future County needs”. Smoky Mountain Animal Care Foundation (SMACF) will begin soliciting donations of land, services and funds from area businesses and corporate philanthropy groups immediately. Area interested parties are encouraged to contact the foundation at 865-824-1700 or the address below.