Zonta Club of Olean Donates Supplies and Funds to SPCA in Cattaraugus County
Donation supports shelter operations and ongoing capital campaign to modernize nearly 40-year-old facility.
Pictured are Paula Bernstein with Marmaduke and SPCA staff member Liv with Cilas. Photo / SPCA manager, Michael Gillespie
OLEAN - At a recent meeting of the Zonta Club of Olean, members generously donated essential items and financial support to The SPCA in Cattaraugus County. During the meeting, members also received a presentation from Kellie Roberts, Executive Director of The SPCA in Cattaraugus County, and Dr. Ronnie Schenkein, a retired veterinarian from Coudersport and SPCA board member. They outlined the current conditions of the shelter and detailed the ongoing capital project aimed at improving the nearly 40-year-old facility.
Following the presentation, the club’s vice president, Paula Bernstein, delivered a collection of requested supplies, continuing the organization’s long-standing commitment to community service. Donated items included office supplies, paper products, dog food, and other essential materials. Representatives at The SPCA in Cattaraugus County expressed sincere appreciation for the thoughtful and practical contributions.
During her visit, Paula met two Great Dane puppies, Cilas and his sibling, Marmaduke. The puppies are part of an accidental litter of six born November 18, 2025. Over the weekend, a member of the Zonta Club visited the shelter, met Cilas, and adopted him. Two male puppies and one female Great Dane puppy now remain available for adoption. The puppies are current on vaccinations, with spay and neuter procedures scheduled for March 9th.
For 120 years, The SPCA in Cattaraugus County has served as the largest 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter in the Southern Tier. The organization is dedicated to saving the lives of animals and facilitating adoption services throughout the region.
Today, however, the shelter’s aging building no longer meets modern animal welfare standards. Under the New York State Companion Animal Care Standards Act, significant renovations must be completed in order for the shelter to continue operating.
This capital campaign is not only vital to the future of The SPCA in Cattaraugus County, but also critical to the wellbeing of the animals served and the residents of Cattaraugus County who rely on these services.
Both organizations are rooted in compassion, dignity, and respect. While Zonta focuses on empowering women and girls and The SPCA in Cattaraugus County focuses on animal welfare, the underlying principle is the same: Every life deserves safety, protection, and humane treatment.
Supporting this capital campaign reflects a shared commitment to building stronger, safer, and more compassionate communities for all.