Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries is inviting animal lovers to help “Raise the Region” March 8-9.

Raise the Region is a 30-hour online giving event fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. An initiative of the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, Raise the Region benefits nonprofit organizations serving Northcentral Pennsylvania, including Second Chance.

“Since our formation more than 20 years ago, we’ve been guided by our name – Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries. We strive to help lost, abandoned or at-risk dogs and cats by providing them with life-saving care and sanctuary,” said Jim Howe, Second Chance board president. “All funds from Raise the Region will go toward veterinarian costs and other direct rehabilitation of these at-risk pets. These expenses are often high and we never know the needs of the next animal that finds its way to our doorstep. Thanks to the generosity of others, that next animal, and all coming after it, will get its best second chance possible.”

This year’s Raise the Region is 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 9. Donations made during that time at www.raisetheregion.org/organizations/second-chance-animal-sanctuaries have the potential to stretch even farther with matching or additional gifts from sponsoring businesses and organizations.

“We are honored to participate again in Raise the Region, and are grateful to its organizers and sponsors,” said Howe. “This opportunity is especially important as Second Chance receives no governmental funding. We exist and continue due to the hearts, funds, donations and volunteer support from our neighbors. We sincerely thank you all.”

Learn more about Second Chance at www.secondchanceas.org or follow their page on Facebook. For more information on Raise the Region, visit www.raisetheregion.org.