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The Roger James Story

Ever since the Benton-Franklin Humane Society made the move from Pasco to its current location in Kennewick, there has been talk of needing a larger facility in which to operate our "no-kill" animal adoption center. Before December 2007, it was just that...talk.

Just before Christmas '07, we received a call that has since changed everything for the BFHS. A retired Hanford chemist named Roger James had selected the Humane Society to receive a gift from his foundation; that initial gift was $109,000. James cited several reasons for choosing the BFHS, but the biggest one was that we are a "no-kill" animal shelter. James had always loved animals, and would even feed the stray animals at work that roamed onto DOE land at Hanford.

That gift set into motion plans for a new, larger shelter where the BFHS could not only take in more animals and find them homes, but better serve the Tri-Cities community.

Two years have passed and the Roger James Foundation has made two more donations to the project. James even adopted his beloved dog Molly from our shelter (seen pictured). Through it all is Roger's smiling face and his love and passion for animals.

When the new shelter is completed, there will be a sign that reads "The Roger James Animal Adoption Center" ... but that will only tell part of the story. What Roger James has given the Benton-Franklin Humane Society goes beyond dollars and cents. He has allowed the BFHS to turn talk into reality, and for that, we say "Thank You"!

Photo courtesy of
Michael Kloth Photography