The goal of ASPCA's $100K Challenge is to save at least 300 more animals in August, September and October than the same three-month period last year.

Two prizes - $100,000 for the shelter that achieves the greatest increase in saved lives, and $25,000 for the shelter that engages the largest number of community members in saving more lives - hang in the balance.

As one of the just 50 teams who made it into the contest, Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village and Lake Humane Society are sending their message loud and clear.

"We are out to win this challenge!" Rescue Village Executive Director Hope Brustein wrote in a news release. "It takes a village to run a shelter. It takes a regional community to win this wonderful 100K Challenge."

Theirs is Northeast Ohio's ONLY team, the release added.

Ways to help include volunteering, fostering animals getting ready for adoption, making a donation and enlisting friends, family, neighbors and co-workers.

Visit GeaugaHumane.org, find Rescue Village on Facebook or visit the shelter to find your new best friend and take part in special adoption events for the cause.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com