Riverside National Bank donated $1,000 to the Humane Society of St. Lucie County for the purchase of new equipment.

The Humane Society plans to use the money to purchase a slightly used Bair Hugger for $895. The Hugger is a unit that raises an animal's body temperature to a healthy status. Much like an incubator, this equipment is used for neonatal purposes but is also used after surgery or to treat patients with severe trauma such as shock.

Frank Andrews, Executive Director for the Humane Society of St. Lucie County said, "We appreciate the generous contribution from our friends at Riverside National Bank. We've partnered with them for many events and they always come through with their caring attitude and big hearts."

Several Riverside National Bank employees made the surprise contribution while serving lunch and drinks to the hundreds of people attending the Grand Opening celebration of the new Tri-County Animal Hospital. The state of the art hospital is located at 1807 Okeechobee Rd. in Fort Pierce. The facility was open to the public for tours during the grand opening celebration. Those who attended came to the event showing off their beloved pets which included many varieties of dogs and cats plus a Pot Belly Pig named Gretchen. The hospital provided discounted pet services to those attending the one day event. Tri-County Animal Hospital can be reached at 772-461-1311 or email them at tricountyvet@bellsouth.net.

If you would like to volunteer or make a donation to the Humane Society of St. Lucie County, please call 772-461-0687 or visit their website at www.hsslc.org.