Norder family hits the sweet spot, raises over $4,000 for humane society, animal shelter

norders-06-04
norders-06-04

With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic negatively affecting the finances of businesses, non-profit organizations and thousands of Grayson Count residents, the need for citizens to go the extra mile to assist those in need has, at least in recent memory, never been more prevalent.

The Twin Lakes Humane Society (TLHS), which serves as the de facto fundraising arm of the Leitchfield Animal Shelter (LAS), was forced to cancel its largest fundraiser of the year, the annual Fur Ball, due to government mandates limiting the gathering of large groups of people.

Upon realizing the financial shortfall caused by the event’s cancellation, the Fred and Carrie Norder family decided to repay the kindness shown to them by Grayson Countians, who helped raise thousands of dollars for the Norders as Carrie battles a rare, triumvirate of autoimmune diseases.

The result, $4,060 was raised for the TLHS via the county’s largest cookie sale. That money will assist the LAS with medical bills for shelter animals, as well as help provide spay/neuter vouchers for Grayson Countians, according to LAS Director Jessica Williams.

Carrie, who operates Carrie’s Sweet Treats, has gained quite an impressive client base for her baked goods over the last few years, and she, along with Fred and their four children, decided to put her talents as a baker, and the collective fondness of Grayson Countians for her sweet treats, to good use for a cause dear to the Norders’ hearts.

“When the Fur Ball event was cancelled, we felt the need to try to do something for this wonderful organization,” Carrie said. “The shelter staff does a wonderful job for these animals, but it takes a lot of funds and work to care for them adequately. Our family has been helped so much by our community and we could never thank everyone enough for that. This was the least we could do to give back to Grayson County.”

Over a seven-day period, Carrie and her family baked, individually wrapped and placed into baskets 2,500 cookies that were sold for $18 per basket. Via Facebook and word of mouth advertising, orders from community members were so overwhelming that Carrie had to place a cap on orders (or risk blowing up the family’s overworked oven).

Of course, making, baking and packaging that many cookies is an expensive proposition. But through the generosity of friends (and the Norder family), the expenses associated with the cookie sales event were paid, resulting in the entire amount raised from cookie sales being donated to the Twin Lakes Humane Society.

“Initially we thought we would have to take a portion of the funds to pay for the cost of supplies,” Carrie said, “however, we had a couple of friends donate supplies, and we donated as well, which allowed for the full amount of the proceeds to be given to the shelter.”

The Norders, not for the first time witnessing the generosity of Grayson Countians, continue to be impressed and moved by a community that shows the capacity for compassion when confronted with a cause that is just.

“We love our community and we especially love how everyone in Grayson County rallies around these great causes and those in need,” Carrie said.

(Photo: The Norder family selling Carrie’s sweet treats)

Just a few of the thousands of cookies sold by the Norders

By Ken Howlett, News Director

Contact Ken at ken@k105.com