Reese Fund Day of Compassion Surpasses Goals for Monetary, Pet Food Donations
SPRINGFIELD — The Foundation for TJO Animals held the Reese Fund Day of Compassion event and pet food drive on June 24 to benefit the Reese Fund, a new community program established to provide emergency medical and recovery care for animals who have experienced severe neglect, cruelty, or abuse.
The foundation held a 24-hour online giving campaign in support of the Reese Fund, created in honor of Reese, a dog who endured unimaginable cruelty at the hands of a human.
In addition to the online giving campaign, the Foundation hosted an in-person pet food drive at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center. The drive supports the new Reese Pet Food Initiative, a partnership with Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen in Chicopee. This program provides pet food and supplies, both on site and through a mobile delivery service, to families who need extra support to keep their pets healthy, safe, and at home where they belong.
The foundation set a goal of raising $10,000 for the Reese Fund and collecting 400 pounds of pet food. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the foundation surpassed both goals, raising more than $11,000 and collecting nearly 900 pounds of pet food, along with an abundance of treats and toys.
“It was an emotional and inspiring day as we reflected on the many abused and severely neglected animals whose lives have been changed through the Reese Fund,” said Janna Brown, executive director for the Foundation for TJO Animals. “Seeing our community come together to not only support lifesaving medical care, but also to help stock the Reese Pet Food Initiative, was incredibly moving. Together, we exceeded both of our fundraising goals, demonstrating just how much people care about keeping pets healthy, safe, and with the families who love them.”
Businesses that participated in the pet food drive included Market Mentors, Borowski Insurance, Western Mass Veterinary Group, Freedom Credit Union, Springfield City Hall, and A.W. Brown’s Pet & Garden.
The Foundation for TJO Animals raises funds to provide resources and support for critical veterinary care and enrichment for the animals at the Thomas J O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and depends on the generosity of its supporters to achieve its goals.