TRIADELPHIA, W.Va., April 11, 2018 — Three West Liberty University students are teaming up with Texas Roadhouse and other donors to assist the Brooke County Animal Shelter with veterinary and other expenses as part of the capstone project for the public relations class.
Seniors Mark Carson, Josie McCoy, and Daniel Morgan have coordinated a fundraising event set for Thursday, April 12, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Texas Roadhouse Highlands location. Ten percent of all sales that evening will go to the Brooke County Commission’s fund for medical procedures for the animal shelter, and several area businesses and individuals have also supplied items for a raffle, which will result in pet food, cleaning products, and other needed supplies.
“It’s amazing to see that there are others out there with compassion to help us. I love Texas Roadhouse, and we appreciate the fundraiser and how it’s going to help,” said the shelter’s director Donna DeJaro.
“We are county funded, and if it wasn’t for donations, we would be scrambling to be able to treat animals that are adoptable but just need some surgery.” The students chose the animal shelter as their client for their public relations capstone course.
“After meeting with Donna, we determined that the organization’s biggest needs were donation-driven,” Carson said. “We’re very grateful that Texas Roadhouse Marketing Manager Amy Lawson agreed to let us host this event.” Carson’s hometown is Mingo Junction, Ohio.
“This capstone project prepares us for our potential careers as public relations practitioners, and Mark, Josie and I utilize everything we’ve learned as students. We reference useful communication theories and practices, keep in close contact with our client, created a strategy to meet the animal shelter’s fundraising needs, and distributed a news release to local media. We are very fortunate to be working with a supportive and cooperative client, and the three of us are thoroughly enjoying this experience as we continue to see our future potential in this career,” said Morgan, who is from New Cumberland, W.Va.
The students share a passion for animals, which influenced their decision to choose the shelter as a client.
“We all love animals, and Mark, Daniel and I are very excited to be using our capstone project to help a cause that’s special to all of us,” said McCoy, who recently adopted a cat of her own from the shelter and is from Wheeling.
“These students clearly understand and appreciate the importance of giving of themselves, and they are working very hard to apply the lessons they have learned at West Liberty to assist the shelter,” said Assistant Professor of Journalism Tammie Beagle, the class instructor. “I am hoping for a great turnout for the event, and I’m very proud of the creativity and determination that Mark, Josie, and Daniel are pouring into it.”
Texas Roadhouse is located at 43 Fort Henry Rd. at The Highlands; no reservations are needed.