By Taylor Boyd
Five-year-old Noah Beasley was presented the Patrick County Partner Award by the Patrick County Board of Supervisors on Monday, Jan. 12, for his fundraiser to benefit the Patrick County Animal Shelter.
Kirsten Beasley, Noah’s mother, said he raised $5,800 during the fundraising event. The funds will be used to purchase animal food, toys, treats, and other necessary supplies for the shelter.
“It is incredible. Last year, he was just shy of $2,500. The amount of support he received this year was not only incredible, but overwhelming in the best way,” she said.
The Beasleys presented the check to Patrick County at the board meeting.
The Beasleys also presented County Administrator Michael McGuinness with homemade dog treats, noting he had promised to eat one if Noah surpassed last year’s fundraising goal.
“Our goal this year was just to beat last year’s, so I set this year’s goal for $2,500. We ended up doing more than double last year’s,” Kirsten Beasley said.
Beasley said her family decided last year to implement a give-back project every year that aligns with their core values to help teach their children to give back to the community, “and that they can make a difference, even at a young age.”
She gave Noah a list of community organizations she felt would be a good project for him.
“Of course, being an animal lover, he chose the animal shelter,” she said, chuckling.
Because of his work, Noah also earned a Hero to Animals Award from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Kids.
PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O’Brien said the homeless cats and dogs at the Animal Shelter have a hero in Noah, “whose warm heart will bring them some comfort and joy until they find a loving home of their own.
“The world is a kinder place with Noah in it, and PETA Kids is sure his shining example will inspire others to follow in his compassionate footsteps,” O’Brien said.
When the award arrived in the mail, Beasley said her son’s face was one of total shock.
“He was just so happy. It was just a really sweet moment,” she said.
Beasley, a proud mother, said being able to see this through Noah’s eyes is an incredible feeling.
“This is him. He just loves animals, and he loves helping. This is not me trying to push him to do it. This is him at 5 years-old, really wanting to do it and make a difference and help. As a mom, it’s just incredible that that’s what he wants to do. No one’s making him do it,” Beasley said.
In the future, to potentially increase the funding goal, Beasley said the family will try different strategies to advertise the fundraising event.
In addition to being a big animal lover, Beasley said her son’s an advocate for the animals in the community.
“He hopes to be an animal doctor one day. He’s already planning it. I said, ‘That’s good. You can take care of all these animals we already have,’” she said, laughing.
