By Beth David, Editor
Ashton Conlon has a tough act to follow: his own. The 12-year-old has been raising money for the Fairhaven Animal Shelter for years, since he was five, and has raised thousands.
So, last Friday, 8/15/25, State Senator, Mark Montigny, presented young Ashton with an official citation from the Mass. Senate for his “tremendous charitable efforts supporting animals in need at the Fairhaven Animal Shelter.”
Sen. Montigny told the group of family and friends gathered that animal issues were very important to him. He noted that he sponsored a number of bills focusing on animal welfare, including a law banning cat de-clawing.
“I’m just a plain old animal lover,” he said.
He noted that he learned early on that people care about animals a lot, explaining that his social media posts will get almost no interaction, unless they are about animals or animal legislation.
Sen. Montigny also entertained the group with a story about rescuing a cat from Greece, and all that adventure entailed.
“I’m very proud of you, I’ll tell you,” said Sen. Montigny.
He told Ashton that he made a difference and literally saved animal lives with his donations. He reminded everyone that Fairhaven is a no-kill shelter.
The first year, Ashton raised $127 with his lemonade stand, with increasing numbers each year. The last few years, the whole neighborhood has gotten involved, with an annual bash that includes gift baskets and other ways to donate, and, of course, the lemonade.
This year he raised $2,110.00, up from year’s $1,600.00.
The young animal lover said when he was five, he wanted to raise money for a good cause. His mother had a list of possibilities, including the Fairhaven Animal Shelter.
After he was presented with the award, Ashton said he chose the shelter because, “I just like animals more than people sometimes.”
He said it made him feel good to help animals and he hoped more people would do the same.
He was joined on Friday by his mom, stepdad, grandmother, and two of his four sisters. The family has rescued two older chihuahuas.
Ashton’s mother, Tammy Galligo, said that while it is for a purpose, everybody knows about their annual big bash.
“I’m so proud of him,” said Ashton’s sister, Ashlie. “He really is just the greatest kid and I see how he became an inspiration.”
“He’s an exceptional kid,” said Ashton’s sister, Allie. “I’m just so proud of him.”
Ashton’s “Lita” (grandmother), Deborah Tanguay agreed.
“I just support him,” she said. “I throw out the 20s and give candy.”
Sen. Montigny presented the citation to Ashton inside the Fairhaven Animal Shelter. Then Ashton presented Animal Control Officer, Terry Cripps, with $2,110.00 from this year’s donations that will go into the shelter’s gift account.
Learn more about the Fairhaven Animal Shelter on the town’s website, or find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FairhavenAnimalControlandShelter
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- Young Ashton Conlon poses with family members and State Sen. Mark Montigny during an event on 8/15/25 at the Fairhaven Animal Shelter to present a Mass. Senate Official Citation to Mr. Conlon for his efforts raising money for the shelter, L-R: Allie and Ashlie (Ashton’s sisters); Sen. Montigny; Rick Galligo (back, Ashton’s stepdad); Ashton; Tammy Galligo (Ashton’s mom). Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Fairhaven Animal Control Officer, Terry Cripps, receives an envelope from Ashton Conlon on 8/15/25 at the Fairhaven Animal Shelter with a $2110.00 donation from Mr. Conlon’s annual fund-raising efforts. Photo by Beth David.
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- L-R: Mass. State Senator, Mark Montigny, hands a Mass. Senate Official Citation to Ashton Conlon on 8/15/25 at the Fairhaven Animal Shelter for his annual fundraising efforts for to the shelter since he was five years old. Photo by Beth David.
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