It was a good day for the Suncoast Animal League. Their initial goal was to reach $30,000 in donations, with one generous donor vowing to match donations up to $10,000 if that amount could be raised by 6 pm. No problem, we had that at 9:30 am! Even the volunteers had a great day with a donation drop-off day. Please keep an eye on their Facebook page for the next chance to make donations and for an opening date. Can't wait!
About that total. As of this morning the grand total stands at #35, 807.00!!! That's such good news and I'm sure they will welcome any more donations. Rick kept his word and was "groomed" at Island Dog Outfitters on Clearwater beach and he was such a good boy - head shaved, nails painted and a happy smile after a very long day. But the stories kept coming all day long, like that of Bob and Roxie. Senior dogs can be the toughest to adopt but this was mean to be. This is rescue at its best.
#GivingTuesday is going to be incredibly important for many groups and organizations across Tampa Bay. We're just starting the re-opening process but not in time for all the canceled fund raisers that have left the Suncoast Animal League hurting. Here's the breakdown: since March 14th, nine Suncoast Animal League fundraisers have been canceled. Plus, the thrift shop has been closed. All in all, the fundraising cancellations and closing the shop have cost Suncoast Animal League more than $52,000 in lost revenue. How do you ever make up for a deficit like that? With your help.
Executive Director Rick Chaboudy and I have been friends for just about as long as I’ve lived in Tampa Bay. He’s amazing. A man with a big heart that has taken on cases that others would have walked away from. You remember Denali who’s now been a big brother to countless other rescues. He almost lost his life due to abuse of the most horrific kind but he’s alive and healthy today thanks to the Suncoast Animal League and his mom KB Burek. They personify what we all believe - rescue works.
Here’s their situation. The rescues continue and the vet bills keep coming. In March and April, SAL has spent $40,324 in medical care for their shelter animals. They are now at a $92,324 loss since March with the end nowhere in sight. Suncoast Animal League does not receive government funding and has not been able to secure a PPP loan. With fundraising efforts at a complete standstill, they are relying entirely on individual and business donations.
Here’s a very recent example of what they do and what it can add up to. Little Hugo, with his x-rays, MRI, spinal tap, and other medical procedures, has totaled over $4,500. Beagle mix Maddie had a $2,200 surgery to repair a damaged hip, likely from being hit by a car.
Then there's Whisper, a 7-year-old dog that came from the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center. Whisper's care at an eye specialist in an attempt to correct her near-blindness added up to $850. As Rick would be the first to say every animal has a story AND a medical bill. This is where we all come. This Tuesday May 5th, Suncoast Animal League will be participating in Giving Tuesday Now. The goal on this Giving Tuesday is $30,000. This is your chance to provide much-needed support by making a donation via their Go Fund Me page which you can do right now.
But it gets better! There will be a $10,000 match by a very generous anonymous donor if they can raise the first $10,000 between the hours of 8 am - 6 pm! If we meet that goal, enter Executive Director Rick Chaboudy who will have his head shaved and nails painted by dog groomer Clint Wilson at Island Dog Outfitters on Clearwater Beach live on Facebook at 6 pm. Don’t be jealous, we all need a haircut, and it’s a win-win situation. Our beloved rescued animals win and Rick gets a much-needed haircut. Love you Rick!
The need for the Suncoast Animal League will always be there, no matter whether it’s COVID-19, a hurricane or whatever the world might throw at us. So please remember to make a donation. Every dollar is precious, because as we know, rescue works.
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