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2008 Year at a Glance
As we started 2008 with the Hope for the Animals event on January 12th, we realized the growth of our organization over the 10 years we have been diligently working to better the lives of the animals in our community.
As over 450 guests arrived to our first gala luncheon, bringing in revenues we used to only dream about, we saw a dream realized; a united pet rescue community, working in harmony and helping more animals than ever before.
The event was surely a "whose who" of the animal rescue groups, as PACC Partners sat side by side enjoying a lovely luncheon and being recognized for their accomplishments and humane work. Other guests included pillars of the community from popular radio DJ JohnJay VanEs and his lovely wife Blake, Beth McRae of the McRae Agency, Susan Della Maddelena from PetSmart, and many more too numerous to mention. We felt honored by the people who took time out to join us and recognize PACCC911’s role in the rescue community.
Paul Horton of CBS TV hosted our program and the day was a smashing success enjoyed by all!
Usually one takes a break after such a huge undertaking, but we at PACC911 do not have that luxury. Without missing a beat, we went on to hold 12 adoption events throughout the year, the 6th annual Bowl-A-Rama and even added a new delightful fundraiser at Grimaldi's Pizza, hosted by the gracious Ivy and Joe Ciolli, dear friends of PACC911 and the animals.
PACC911 continued our educational program, Breaking the Chain, as we engaged the third grade classes of many Valley schools who participated once again. This year we took the program a step farther by publishing a book called Breaking the Chain, featuring the writing and artwork of many of the children involved. This book and others are for sale at the PACC online store.
Another exciting book debuted this year as well, as I finally completed a children’s book about compassion for animals. Part of the Family is also available at the PACC store and is an ideal gift for animal loving kids and their parents!
As always, when there is need, PACC911 jumps in to help as we can. This year was no exception and we assisted National Mill Dog Rescue with coordination for a puppy mill rescue in May. Theresa Strader, founder of National Mill Dog Rescue, first came to the market and spoke to the community about the dire need of the animals in the mills. This was educational and compelling and many of the rescues agreed to help with an amazing rescue from the puppy mills of Missouri.
PACC911 continued it’s assistance to the animals at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control by once again reviving our Laundry program, assuring animals at County have clean towels and blankets to sleep on during the coldest of months. PACC911 works with Spin Cycle Laundry on this worthwhile program and collects donations to fund it.
Of utmost importance is the PACC911 Emergency Medical Fund, just completing it’s 5th year of aide to the rescue community. This year more groups used the fund than ever before and more money was paid out. This means we must work harder than ever to keep the fund solvent!
I am proud to give you the following report:
- PACC911’s Emergency Medical Fund paid out the highest amount ever in 2008! A whooping $63,000, bringing our five year total of payouts to $198,000!
- At PACC911 events over the last five years 3,514 have found new homes. In 2008 alone, a record number of 854 were placed due to our adopt-a-thons.
In the fall of 2008, PACC911 welcomed with open arms, our first employee. Ms. Valerie Unger graciously accepted our position of Operations Coordinator. With Vals organizational skills and delightful way of doing things, PACC911 has taken leaps forward as we continue our mission.
We had a most productive year in 2008. A year of growth and coming together as a board and as a community. Growth is never smooth sailing all the way; in fact the term growing pains is often most appropriate. With the commitment of a dedicated volunteer board, we withstood all obstacles as we moved forward to one of our best years ever.
Now, with the severe downturn in the economy towards the end of the year, animal abandonment is skyrocketing. The numbers of animals being relinquished to our County and all our PACC partners has also increased.
Our commitment to save as many of these precious lives as possible is surely there and we need YOUR help! It takes a village during tough times! Lets be that for the animals who need us!
Please adopt your next pet. Please commit to this pet for life. And, of course, please spay and neuter and be part of the solution!
Thank you all for your compassion, your support and your dedication to the sweet animals who have no voice but ours.
Bari Mears
President
PACC911
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