“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the quiet, powerful transformations that happen every day at Hope, Horses & Kids. I’ve watched hesitant teens walk into a session guarded and unsure, only to leave with bright smiles, standing taller and radiating confidence. There’s a magic in the way the animals invite trust and break down barriers without saying a word. Whether it’s a neurodivergent child finding calm through the rhythmic sway of a horse, or a determined young rider coaxing a mini horse into a hula hoop with patience and resilience—these moments speak volumes. The animals become teachers, mirrors and companions, guiding our youth to discover self-worth, focus and joy.” -Lori Tuttle MARINE LIFE STUDIES Year Founded: 2006 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 221 volunteers Budget: $305,000 (831) 901-3833 marinelifestudies.org BIG IDEA: Marine Life Studies’ Big Idea is its rapid response Whale Entanglement Team (WET). In 2024, the WET responded seven times and participated in two dedicated search days due to the high number of recently entangled whales. When the WET team takes time off from high-stakes rescues on the open ocean, they are educating the community on their work. Marine Life Studies offers Ocean Literacy Education and WET demonstrations to connect people with the ocean and the importance of protecting whales and whale habitat. “Marine Life Studies’ Ocean Literacy Education program brought the ocean into my classroom in the most engaging and meaningful way. My first-graders were captivated by real whale bones and specimens, and the team made complex conservation topics understandable and empowering—even for young students. In our school community, not every family has the opportunity or time to take trips to the ocean, even though we live relatively close. This program brought the ocean to us. It made science come alive in a way that textbooks simply can’t, and it inspired a newfound curiosity and care for the natural world.” -Chelsea Andon PEACE OF MIND DOG RESCUE (POMDR) Year Founded: 2009 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 37 paid, 1,814 volunteers Budget: $2,895,213 (831) 718-9122 pomdr.org BIG IDEA: A recent bequest means Peace of Mind Dog Rescue’s long-awaited Senior Dog Haven is progressing toward becoming a reality. Donors can help bring this Big Idea to life by helping POMDR equip this home with essential supplies for the three deluxe private doggie bedrooms and to fund the expert care provided by two full-time staff. Soon 20 pooches may live in this home-like refuge, accelerating adoptions for senior dogs and freeing up space to rescue other dogs from overcrowded shelters. “I truly cannot thank your organization enough for providing the care, love and family for both Maggie and Charlie when we could not. The work that you do is so special and I feel lucky to have been able to receive such help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” -Samantha A. 20 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com ANIMALS DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “The animals become teachers, mirrors and companions, guiding our youth to discover self-worth, focus and joy.” -Lori Tuttle, Hope, Horses & Kids SPCA MONTEREY COUNTY Year Founded: 1905 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 95 paid, 450 volunteers Budget: $13,690,000 (831) 373-2631 spcamc.org BIG IDEA: Rising grocery bills capture headlines, but pet food costs keep increasing too. SPCA Monterey County is helping bridge this gap with its pet food bank to support loving pet families faced with difficult choices about which bills to pay. Last year, this Big Idea distributed 149,900 pounds of pet food to local dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, horses and more—about 700 pets weekly. This nonprofit also donates pet food to the Food Bank for Monterey County for distribution to those who cannot travel to the SPCA. “I feel like it prevents people from feeling like they need to put their dogs or animals back in a shelter. If you’re able to get help with food, it’s a huge thing and they can keep their pets in the family. They don’t have to worry about giving up their pet. People go through a hard time and they need help. And it’s nice that the SPCA helps people without judgment. Our pets are very well loved. We’re very lucky. That’s for sure.” -Angie SPOTLIGHT
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