The Companion Animal Club (CAC) at the Lincoln Memorial University-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) hosted its annual CARES Auction, a highly anticipated event aimed at raising funds for the CARES fund. The auction serves as a crucial fundraiser to support LMU-CVM veterinary students facing pet emergencies.
The CARES fund provides financial assistance to LMU-CVM students who encounter unexpected pet emergencies, ensuring they can seek immediate care for their beloved companions. Through an application-based grant system, students can receive up to $250 if they are members of the Companion Animal Club, and $200 if they are non-members.
Led by Catherine Arnold, this year's president of CAC, the event saw tremendous success, raising an impressive total of $11,352. Arnold, alongside her dedicated executive board members, including Vice President Olivia Perez, Treasurer Haley Bower, Secretary Kate Sparenberg, and Class of 2027 Silver Representative Hailey Rios, worked tirelessly over the past three months to organize and execute the auction.
Arnold's passion for the cause stems from a personal experience with her pet Oscar.
"The stress I felt in the year of 2023 over pet costs put me in a position where I had to apply for the CARES fund. I had just moved, and Oscar ate roach bait, and we were in the car on our way to any vet that would treat him without a thought," shared Arnold. "I don't want any student to feel that they can't treat their pet or are out of options financially. I knew CAC was something I wanted to be a part of. I wanted to give back to the people who helped my Oscar-roo."
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The LMU-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine is located on LMU’s main campus in Harrogate, Tennessee, with additional academic facilities in nearby Lee County, Virginia. LMU-CVM is an integral part of the University’s medical programs and provides real-world, community-based education in a collaborative learning environment. For more information about LMU-CVM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 6600 or visit us online at vetmed.LMUnet.edu.
