16 Monterey County GIVES! 2023 mcgives.com Animals DONate online mcgives.com Animal Friends Rescue Project Year Founded: 1998 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 15 paid, 887 volunteers Budget: $1,160,000 333-0722 animalfriendsrescue.org Big Idea: This nonprofit is a friend to the most vulnerable shelter animals in Monterey County, rescuing homeless and owner-surrendered companion animals most at-risk from euthanization. These animals may be shy, traumatized or elderly—but still worthy and eager to be someone’s forever friend. Animal Friends Rescue Project provides lifesaving medical care for vulnerable animals using an extensive foster volunteer network. This Big Idea also includes free spay and neuter services, with more than 1,000 stray cats receiving care last year. “Our two beautiful pups, Rusty and Pepper, came to us from knowledgeable, loving and conscientious AFRP foster parents. Their foster families were able to assess our fitness as adopters and give us valuable information about the dogs. This process ensured a great match! Beyond what AFRP means to individual families like mine, they make a real difference to the wider community. I am impressed by the impact AFRP has and the way they achieve their mission. AFRP has cultivated, sustained and utilized a large group of dedicated volunteers for many years. This enables the funds they raise to go primarily to the direct care for the animals. We are very grateful for AFRP and proud to be donors to the organization.” -Tobi Marcus BirchBark Year Founded: 2013 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2.5 paid, 50 volunteers Budget: $497,505 471-7255 birchbarkfoundation.org Big Idea: This nonprofit preserves the sacred human-animal bond with its three Big Idea programs: PetAid, Pet Loss Grief Counseling, and educational programs. PetAid provides financial assistance to reduce “economic euthanasia” so pet owners faced with expensive emergency veterinary care can consider this option. Free Pet Loss Grief Counseling helps bereaved pet owners navigate the loss of their companion animals and educational webinars educate pet owners on responsible animal care. “BirchBark Foundation has given me more time with my dog, which is everything! They have supported us in a difficult time and we are so grateful.” -Denise R. Golden Oldies Cat Rescue Year Founded: 2016 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 3 paid, 70 volunteers Budget: $134,053 200-9700 gocatrescue.org Big Idea: Cats 6 years and older have a powerful advocate with the Big Idea at Golden Oldies Cat Rescue, the only Monterey County rescue exclusively focused on senior cats. These cats are often surrendered after their long-term owner dies or cannot provide care. This means older cats, used to one home or owner, can experience a difficult, grieffilled transition, too. Foster homes nurture these cats until their forever families come along, often providing necessary and expensive medical and dental care. “Lulu and I are celebrating our very first anniversary. She’s come a long, long way since the day she arrived and took up residence under the loveseat. I’m very impressed with my sweet and quirky roommate, and thankful to have her running the house now and making new rules for me every single day. I may have failed as a foster, but I’ve most certainly succeeded in helping to change Lulu’s life…and she’s made mine happier, more meaningful and a lot more fun. Makes me a happy mama to share everything with her and watch her progress both inside the house and outside in her patio. Thank you, Universe, and thank you, Golden Oldies!” -Candy Kelly South Monterey County Animal Rescue (SCAR) Year Founded: 2017 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 28 volunteers Budget: $120,000 525-5160 scar.pet Big Idea: South Monterey County Animal Rescue operates a volunteer-led animal rescue, focused on supporting the rural communities of South Monterey County and partnering with other rescue agencies. This organization provides access to low-cost spay and neuter services to help prevent an overpopulation of unwanted pets, while also rescuing pets from local shelters and accepting owner surrenders. SCAR’s Big Idea supports the hardworking volunteers who often care for kittens, cats and dogs—also attending to their critical medical needs—until they are ready for adoption. “SCAR has always shown compassion for the unwanted and undesirable cats and dogs through their commitment to serving our communities. The work they do is a labor of love. I have seen how SCAR goes above and beyond to give animals a fighting chance at living a good and happy life.” -Ruth Diaz, Soledad spotlight They are helping each other!” Lori Tuttle, Hope, Horses, and Kids
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