As the fifth and final ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge draws to a close, we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the accomplishments of Challenge contestants across the country. Over the course of five spirited competitions, Challengers worked tirelessly to break their own adoption records and win prizes in the form of ASPCA grant funding, resulting in more than 282,000 animals saved.

In 2014 alone, 50 Challenge contestants saved more than 68,000 animals’ lives in just three months—a combined increase of nearly 17,000 more lives saved than the same period in 2013. We are truly impressed by the dedication, hard work and creativity these shelters employed in order to find loving homes for thousands of animals in need.

Congratulations to our 2014 Challenge winners, and to all those who competed over the past five years. You deserve a round of applause!

Please visit the Challenge site to view the 2014 winners and overall results.