The Rev. Drake Whitelaw of the Church of the Holy Comforter in Montgomery kisses a goat Sunday as a symbol of the success of her church's fundraising efforts for Heifer International. The church has raised $12,000 for the organization, which purchases animals for needy countries. -- Photos by Mickey Welsh / Advertiser Andrew Monroe, left, and Fred Paul are youth members of the church. Youths raised funds for the project through chores. Nelya McKenzie, left, and the Rev. Drake Whitelaw, right, of the Church of the Holy Comforter, with a plaque presented to the church by Heifer International.

The Rev. Drake Whitelaw leaned toward a goat sitting in the arms of a church member Sunday at the Church of the Holy Comforter and kissed it.

The kiss marked the completion of a campaign that raised $12,915 for a Heifer International Project called "Fill the Ark."

"It was just something funky for a priest to do," Whitelaw said.

Members of the 500-member congregation purchased animals to send to needy families to use for food and income after looking at a cost list for several animals. They created a symbolic ark from the biblical story of Noah.

The church was able to fill two and a half arks with the money they raised. Whitelaw agreed to kiss the goat 2-and-a-half times. She kissed the goat twice on the head, which was followed by yells of disapproval from church members to kiss the goat on the lips. The last kiss, she touched her hand to her lips and then touched the goat's mouth.

"It was worth it," said Whitelaw, who bought several animals during the fundraiser.

On the list of animals, water buffaloes cost $250, a llama cost $150 and a goat cost $120.

Members also could buy animals in shares. A share of a water buffalo cost $50, a share of a llama cost $20 and a share of a goat cost $10.

"I think it was a really good way to raise money," said Andrew Monroe, 15, who provided the goat. The goat was one of 20 goats that graze on the 5 acres of land outside of his home on Pike Road.

Monroe participated in the youth fundraiser, which brought it about $400. The church youths auctioned themselves out to baby-sit, do computer work and house work for church members. Monroe was bought for $150 to do yard work for a family.

The youths bought a llama, a water buffalo and a few chickens.

The church members never see the animals they purchase. It goes straight to the family in need. Heifer International, which sponsors the program, makes sure the animal gets to a needy family.

Heifer is a nonprofit organization that has helped 7 million families in need, providing more than 30 type of food and income-producing animals and plants, as well as intensive training in animal management in 125 countries.

Each of the animals purchased can provide food for a needy family in a unique way. Pigs can be a source of protein for a needy family and they can produce up to 20 piglets a year, chickens produces eggs, which provide protein, and sheep provide milk, wool and meat for people in a variety of climates.

Gay Johnson, a Birmingham representative of Heifer International, was at Holy Comforter to accept the donations from the church.

"I think it is awesome that they are intentionally giving and living with an international concern," Johnson said.