HSIC Unveils Land Rover Defender
The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) held a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Humane Society of Independence County’s (HSIC) custom Land Rover Defender vehicle. The Ribbon-Cutting was held at HSIC’s Fleaman Barkus Thrift Store on Thursday, March 17.
March 17, 2022 (Batesville, AR) — The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) held a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Humane Society of Independence County’s (HSIC) custom Land Rover Defender vehicle. The Ribbon-Cutting was held at HSIC’s Fleaman Barkus Thrift Store on Thursday, March 17.
HSIC received the fully-customized 2022 Land Rover Defender after winning a nationwide competition. Voters chose a video HSIC produced that outlined the organization's unique transportation needs.
“We are so thankful for our community,” said Alisa Lancaster, President of the HSIC Board. “Through the years, we have received many gifts to help us get our work done. We are so proud that our community came together to get enough votes to win this vehicle for the Humane Society.”
Recognized for its rescue, safe shelter, and loving home security work for abandoned, abused, and unwanted dogs and cats, HSIC was announced as the winner of the Animal Welfare category of the first-ever Land Rover ‘Defender Above & Beyond Service Awards’ last fall.
“We didn’t pay a single penny for this wonderful vehicle,” said Megan Trail, HSIC Shelter Director. “It has a winch, trailer hitch, cages, a watering system—it has everything we could ever need for animal rescues. And we have it because of the votes and support from our community.”
“Thank you for supporting us at Fleaman Barkus and for your support in helping us win this incredible vehicle,” concluded Lancaster.
Ambassadors in attendance included: Amanda Bledsoe (Network of Community Options), Jesse Cargill (UAMS), Kyle Christopher (State Farm), Adam Curtwright (Centennial Bank), Amanda Dickey (Block Insurance), Ashey Engles (Citizens Bank), Amy Finster (White River Health System), Rachael Fisher (First Community Bank), Tammy Foster (First Community Bank), Brittney Harris (Independence County Off-Road), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Dana Milikin (White River Now), Aaron Moody (Independence County Sheriff's Department), Courteney Muse (Southern Bank), Megan Renihan (Batesville School District), Justin Russell (Bank of Cave City), Madelyn Smith (David’s Home and Sleep Center), Becky Warren (UACCB), Carmen Waugh (Centennial Bank), Chad Whiteaker (White River Now), and Angela Dawn Wilcoxon (Southern Bank).