There is not a lot Austin Gillis will not do for the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown.

A jest involving canned dog food has turned into a challenge for the executive director, and he is committed to following through.

“I will do anything to help this community and these animals we care so much about,” he said.

After the ARL signed up for a charity Venmo account to give people an easy way to send donations, Gillis turned to Facebook to ask the community to test the account through $1 donations.

“This was a fun way to get the word out about our Venmo, and also allow people a chance to maybe donate for the first time,” he said.

Shortly after writing that Sept. 17 post and including the QR code, an ARL employee asked how much they would make. A joking answer of $100,000 was provided. Gillis explained how far that much money could benefit the ARL and Marshalltown. The money could be used for building and maintenance repairs, enrichment tools and toys, continued education for staff and volunteers and free community programs focusing on education for youth.

“I stated that if we raised $100,000 I would eat a can of dog food,” he said. “Well, a day or two later someone asked me if I was serious. I told them that I would do anything for these animals in our community and in our care.”

The plan for Gillis to devour a can of animal food if the $100,000 was raised was put into action.

“Everyone who hears about the challenge gets a good laugh out of it, and I love to make light of it and laugh right along with them,” he said.

The public has until Dec. 31 to raise the $100,000 for the Venmo amount. If the deadline is met, they will get the opportunity via livestream to witness Gillis putting their money where his mouth is. Figuring this challenge would raise interest, he said the ARL of Marshalltown might receive more exposure as a result.

“We will only survive with the help of a strong supporting donor base,” Gillis said. “If I have to eat a can of animal feed to make this all happen, I will do it with a smile and potentially a barf bag.”

The public will decide what type of food he eats – dog or cat. Every dollar raised is one vote. Gillis said when people donate, they will be asked to specify cat or dog. If a choice is not made, the vote will automatically be considered “dog” because the cans are bigger . . . at least that is what he was told.

If the goal is met, Gillis plans to take a few moments, have a conversation with himself and reevaluate the choices that lead him to that point. Some of that consideration will include not live streaming the immediate aftermath of eating a can of animal food. Spending too much time contemplating the pending meal might make the actual consumption harder.

“Immediately following the challenge I plan to thank everyone who donated,” Gillis said. “Then seriously reconsider my career choices. LOL.”

He will not have a time limit to wolf down the can of food, and it was not decided whether or not he can pair it with other foods or beverages.

Gillis is “paw-sitive” he will not make the experience last longer than he has to. The selected brand of canned animal food will be Hills Science Diet product, as that is what ARL animals eat. He figured it was only fair that he eat what they eat. The ARL has contacted Hills Science to inform the company about the challenge.

“They responded and said they would forward the details to another department to see if they would like to share in the event . . . or potentially warn me away from eating it . . . who knows,” Gillis said.

The date for the potential video stream is set for Jan. 1, 2025 on Facebook Live. The ARL staff have offered to film it for other social media platforms, but those details have not been worked out yet.

Thus far, the Venmo account has received $1,000, so he said there is still a long way to go.

“Keep in mind, not only will you make an executive eat animal food, but you will also be a part of a bigger mission and be supporting our fluffy friends at the same time,” Gillis said.

ARL staff want to keep the public updated on the progress of the challenge and are working on placing a tracker on the website. They will also post fund updates on social media.

Gillis acknowledges some people may find the challenge gross or over the top, but added the history of humans is full of people who are willing to go the extra mile for others.

“You the reader can be that person who goes the extra mile,” he said. “Donate to a great cause that you know is making the most of your time and money. Be a part of something outside your normal. Support each other and help us help those who need it the most. Final thought – if we only get $99,999, that’s ok. I promise to not be upset with the community for not having to eat the animal food.”

TO DONATE:

Donations can be made by clicking on the QR code found on the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown Facebook page on Sept. 17. People who do not have a Venmo account, but want to cast a vote can visit the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown, 1921 Taylor Ave. or mail the donation. The funds will be added to the Charity Venmo account. Gillis said additional donation options might be made available.

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.