ST. MARYS — For nine years, the Dairy Queen store in St. Marys has hosted a fundraiser for the Elk County Humane Society, a cause close to owners Theresa and Jim Hodgdon’s hearts.
The couple purchased the store, which opened in St. Marys in 1960, in 2011. Prior to that, Theresa worked for the original owners in 1985 before managing the family-owned store for 25 years.
When the Cutest Pet Contest was started in 2013, the fundraiser brought in $1,196.53.
“Each year, the total increases,” she said.
The Cutest Pet Contest raised the most it ever has this summer — $3,974.10 — welcoming community members and their pets to enjoy a sweet treat. One hundred percent of proceeds benefit the ECHS.
“We absolutely love animals. My husband started giving out dog bones to all the dogs visiting our DQ, and then we started making doggie dishes for them. It’s so much fun to see how excited they get and how much each person cares for their pet. Our hope is to help find a loving home for all the shelter pets,” Hodgdon said.
To participate in the contest, community members submit a picture of their furry friend eating a St. Marys Dairy Queen treat in the summer time. All participants receive a DQ dog bandana, and contestant photos are also placed on donation cans displayed in front of the store in the months of June and July, where the public can vote for the cutest pet by placing donations into their favorite can. An award ceremony honored the first, second and third place winners on July 23.
The Hodgdons giving back to the community doesn’t end there. Whenever someone needs help, whether it be a child battling cancer or a local project or nonprofit organization, St. Marys Dairy Queen does everything it can to help.
They are known to support several causes, hosting events for youth like “Cones with Cops,” where City of St. Marys Police Department officers and K9 Nando meet and visit with local children. “Cones and Ladders” welcomes the Crystal Fire Department to display its fire trucks for youth and raises money for much-needed safety gear, said Hodgdon. At each of these events, children receive wooden nickels for free ice cream cones.
The business also holds “Blizzard Days” fundraisers for many events, where $1 from each blizzard purchase is donated to a local cause like the St. Marys Fireworks Fund, the Playland project at Memorial Park, Mini-Thon, Children’s Miracle Network, Relay for Life, Wreaths Across America and many more.
On behalf of the shelter, fundraising chairwoman June Glass said everything that the Hodgdons do means so much to the animals and everyone at the ECHS. For nearly 10 years, they have been able to donate more and more to animals in need.
It’s important to the Hodgdons to give back to the community that supports them and their business. And, they feel their Dairy Queen store makes sweet and special memories for the community, especially youth.
“We love to bring a smile to everyone’s face, and strive to help our community prosper,” said Hodgdon. “When we give back to the community, we can see the difference it makes in people’s lives.”
