News

Actions

Making A Difference: Madison Co. Animal Shelter To Receive $190,000 Estate

Posted at 10:40 PM, Apr 10, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-10 22:40:00-04

RICHMOND, Ky. (LEX 18) — Joseph "Tony" Bennett may have left this Earth last year, but his memory will not be forgotten in Madison County, especially at the animal shelter.

On Tuesday, during Madison County Fiscal Court, Bennett’s attorney Michael Fore, presented a check to Judge Executive Reagan Taylor for $190,897.27 — Bennett’s estate.

"Obviously we were ecstatic. This is a first for me," Judge Executive Taylor said. "I hope it’s not the last."

Bennett did not have family in the Madison County, so Fore said he was instructed to donate the estate to the Madison County Animal Shelter. He passed away in Summer 2017 in his 80s.

"Through his gift in the county, we’re going to try and increase our spay and neuter program with these funds," Judge Executive Taylor added.

So who is this generous man?

"Very nice, very quiet, very humble," said Bill Grise, who lived across the street from Bennett’s Richmond home, and had no idea about the donation. "I’m shocked. I would have never thought of that. In fact when we shopped for him, he wanted the generic Cokes!"

Many people wish they could have met this generous man, but knows that will not happen.

"Now it bothers me I haven’t met him," said Judge Executive Taylor. "That I could not met him for what he’s done for Madison County and for the future."

The money will go into a savings account, with the annual interest going to a new spay and neuter program for the animals. The goal is for all animals to enter the facility to get treated.

Attorney Michael Fore also said some extra money from the estate will go to the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, NY.