No name is more linked to the animals in Brown County than that of Doc Brester. For 52 years, he provided veterinary care for animals far and wide. People would travel from great distances to his practice in Bean Blossom because of the compassionate and affordable care he provided. Since he retired in 2017, the doctor who apologized to his patients before giving them vaccines has been sorely missed.
The community now has the opportunity to honor Dr. Brester for his work. If the required $200,000 can be raised, the medical room at the new Brown County Humane Society shelter building can be named the Dr. James Brester Animal Treatment Room.
The idea for this honor came from Marcia Likens, a longtime friend of local philanthropist Howard Hughes and manager of the fund created at the Brown County Community Foundation when Hughes passed away. Ms. Likens has arranged for the Hughes Fund to match all donations, up to $100,000, until Oct. 31.
A recent post on the Humane Society Facebook page announcing the fundraising effort has reached more than 50,000 people and highlights the tremendous impact Dr. Brester had on the community. More than 100 comments of support have been written so far.
In order to make this honor happen, it will take everyone to donate what they can. Whether it is $5,000 or $5, every dollar is needed to reach the goal.
Only through our collective appreciation of Dr. Brester can we do it.
From Facebook:
Dr. Brester was not only a fantastic, competent, kind and caring vet, but he was an even more exceptional human being! There are not enough words to applaud and acknowledge all the wonderful things he has done for Brown County and surrounding communities! He is a hero in the truest sense of the word!! — Sharon R.
Doc Brester made treatment possible for so many who simply could not afford it any other way. Countless animals were saved because he chose compassion over $$$. Thanks for your many years of service Doc! — Vicki T.
If everyone donated as much as he did for all of us at no charge, the requested amount would be met 10x over. — Kathy S.
— Brown County Humane Society
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Donations must be received by Oct. 31 in order to qualify for matching funds.
Those who donate $1,000 or more will have their name included on a tribute at the shelter.
Online: https://bit.ly/2mj2ZZb
By phone: text “Brester” to 44321
By mail: P.O. Box 191, Nashville, IN 47448. Make check to the Brown County Community Foundation. Write “Doc Brester match” on memo line
In person: Special event with Doc Brester Sunday, Oct. 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Bean Blossom Animal Clinic, 4915 State Road 135 North, Nashville
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