Char-Wills German Shepherd Rescue could win $12,000 if it gets enough votes in the Freshpet Fresh Start Giveaway.

The organization was nominated for entry into the contest by a Franklin Township, Carbon County, woman.

Lorrie Koch said she noticed the contest online and wanted to help “a rescue that does so much good.” She is a hobby breeder of German shepherds and knew Diane Buhl, president of Char-Wills German Shepherd Rescue, from the Lehigh German Shepherd Club years ago. Koch is no longer a member.

Char-Wills found out they were in the contest online. Koch responded to a Facebook post saying she was the one who did it.

The contest runs Sept. 22-28. One vote per day. The rescue with the most votes in each of the five regions, West, Southwest, Midwest, Southeast and Northeast, wins $12,000. Two runners-up in each region receive $3,000.

To date, Char-Wills has 476 votes.

Buhl said she is appreciative of the submission. The money can go a long way to providing for the dogs.

“Our vet bills for last year were over $70,000. We don’t get any funding from anyone,” she said.

Right now, the rescue is caring for 10 dogs. Three of the dogs have ongoing veterinary needs.

Last year, they took in 307 German shepherds, most of which they found homes for. So far this year, 243 of the breed have stayed there. The average age is between 1 and 6 years old.

The COVID-19 pandemic has cut into their fundraising. Two of the major fundraisers they have each year, bingo and a basket raffle, were canceled last year due to the pandemic. Those events raise about $10,000 or $11,000.

Bingo, which is usually held in the spring, didn’t happen in 2021 because of the pandemic. The basket raffle is scheduled for November at the New Ringgold Fire Company. Additional information was not provided.

If the rescue wins, Buhl said the money would most likely go toward veterinary expenses.

“I know money is tight right now. This is a way people can support us without spending a penny,” Buhl said.