In just over a week, a no-kill animal shelter in Jackson has raised over $15,000 in on-line donations. Last week FOX 40 News reported on Community Animal Rescue Adoption's financial crisis. But the recent funds, along with recent benefits held in the Jackson metro area, only scratch the surface of what the shelter needs to stay afloat. 

"This means that we'll be able to pay our bills this month," said Jerri Bennett, Executive Officer and Treasurer of CARA. "If CARA had not received donations from the on-line site, from individuals, or fundraising, we would have no choice but to begin the process of shutting down."

Bennett says it takes $30,000 dollars to keep the shelter running on a monthly basis, a costs she says represents the bare minimum for operating expenses.

"We have 24 part-time employees, and therefore our weekly payroll is $3,350 a week. And our vet expenses are around $3,000 a month," added Bennett. "And we have utilities; we have insurance; we have medications for the pets; we have miscellaneous expenses."

Bennett says it will take more than donations to keep the shelter, which houses over 300 animals, from shutting down. Currently she and other CARA officials are in the process of writing a grant proposal in hopes of securing more funds.

"I haven't had a lot of experience in grant writing," said Bennett. "I do know that it takes time, and I'm sure there are grants out there for animals."

Even though CARA can afford a little more time, Bennett says the shelter cannot rely on a grant alone because money from a grant can mean anything from $1,000 to $100,000. CARA is now organizing a committee investigating the feasibility of re-opening a Bingo hall, a self-sufficient business where 40 percent of proceeds would go to operating expenses for the shelter, where patrons either play hand-held or computer-based Bingo.

"We tried to open a Bingo hall May 5, thinking this would solve our financial problems, but we ran into some operating problems and some employee issues," said Bennett, adding that the business temporarily closed in July.

"It's going to take a grant to support our shelter or a very, very large donation, or a business such as Bingo to keep the shelter open," said Bennett. I don't foresee keeping the shelter open without a grant or a business in place."

If the shelter is forced to close, euthanizing the animals would be the shelter's last option. She said there would be a "gigantic adoption" event, and those animals that are left over would be the ones humanely put down.

Bennett said it can be difficult working with a heavy heart knowing this is a possibility. 

"It can be depressing because we know that we are offering a service to the community," Bennett said. "We believe in what we're doing, rescuing cats and dogs, rehabbing them and trying to place them in loving home."

CARA's next benefit is Saturday, September 27, at Well's Fest in Lakeland Park. Click here to learn more about CARA.