ANIMAL FRIENDS RESCUE PROJECT Year Founded: 1998 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 16 paid, 168 volunteers Budget: $1,465,000 (831) 333-0722 animalfriendsrescue.org BIG IDEA: Donors to Animal Friends Rescue Project will support a Where It’s Needed Most fund. As the name implies, this Big Idea makes critical aid available for severely injured dogs, an unexpected litter of kittens or a pet needing relief from behavioral stress. After nearly 30 years in operation, AFRP has carved a niche by taking in dogs and cats in need of additional medical care. This fund helps support the critical core mission of this rescue. “I’ve had dogs my whole life and they’ve seen me through good times and bad. Their unconditional love has always been reciprocated and I couldn’t imagine my life without them. But sadly, there are many dogs and cats who, for one reason or another, have been abused, not received proper medical care or nutrition, or been abandoned. AFRP has been an advocate and a pillar in our community for those such animals. The staff, fosters and volunteers work tirelessly to diagnose, treat, rehabilitate and find loving homes for these deserving dogs and cats. I am very appreciative of the work they do and proud to be a longtime donor.” -Patti Hughes GOLDEN OLDIES CAT RESCUE Year Founded: 2016 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 3 paid, 90 volunteers Budget: $228,600 (831) 200-9232 gocatrescue.org BIG IDEA: Cats age 6 years and older have a lifelong friend in Golden Oldies Cat Rescue. This organization uses foster volunteers to take in senior cats, often felines who have suddenly lost longtime homes and caregivers. Through its Big Idea programs like Matchmaker and Seniors Saving Seniors, Golden Oldies covers costs for these senior cats for life— from asthma medication to extensive dental work and even daily food. In less than 10 years, this nonprofit has rescued nearly 220 cats. “When people ask why I adopted a blind black cat, my answer is easy: ‘Why not?’ The companionship, responsibility and joy of having a new member in the family makes me smile. I have a new friend to talk with, adore, pet, groom, feed and discuss life’s most important challenges with. He listens, purrs, stretches. Who could ask for more? Golden Oldies has been so very helpful in this new adventure and made the journey smooth and enjoyable.” -Arlene Motz HOPE, HORSES & KIDS Year Founded: 2010 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 7 paid, 20 volunteers Budget: $330,100 (831) 596-6693 hopehorseskids.org BIG IDEA: Hope, Horses & Kids has a growing barnyard herd at its new centralized location at Rancho Cielo. The donkey, sheep, rabbits and even a turtle serve a special role in promoting healing and teaching youth valuable skills. These new farm friends build on the nonprofit’s Equine Assisted Learning programs. Hope, Horses & Kids’ Big Idea is to create opportunities for individuals of all ages who live with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges. New programs include work readiness via barn chores and a student-led vocational program in blacksmithing and metalworking. 18 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com ANIMALS DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “When people ask why I adopted a blind black cat, my answer is easy: ‘Why not?’” -Arlene Motz, Golden Oldies Cat Rescue BIRCHBARK Year Founded: 2013 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 3 paid, 40 volunteers Budget: $866,172 (831) 471-7255 birchbarkfoundation.org BIG IDEA: Beloved pets are family members, but veterinary expenses can strain those loving bonds. BirchBark steps in to relieve families facing the decision of saving their pet’s life or paying for basic needs. This nonprofit’s emergency veterinary funding works with veterinarians and provides grants to help low-income pet owners afford their pet’s lifesaving health care. Over the last 12 years, BirchBark has helped save more than 1,300 local pets. Donors can support their Big Idea of raising $50,000 to fund 60 emergency cases. “Thank you so much for helping with the cost for Apollo. I appreciate this from the bottom of my heart. Apollo has been family to us for the short amount of time that we have had him. He has helped my family become closer and helped us heal through the loss of my sister, who was battling kidney cancer. He also has bonded very strongly with my autistic son. They take naps together and Apollo sits and watches my son play with his toys. I am forever thankful for the help that was given by this organization and I pray one day I am able to pay this forward.” -Felicia T. SPOTLIGHT
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