Pleasanton, CA, March 28, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Over 16,000 dogs and cats from across the country found homes, thanks to a special contest hosted by Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals. Over $50,000 in grant money was awarded to 19 organizations.
The Get ‘em Home Challenge, which was held over three months, focused on dogs and cats that had been in animal shelters for more than 30 days. The contest shined a light on pets who have been waiting a little longer for a home, often due to no fault of their own.
“We are so proud of these organizations for their creativity, and their commitment to the well-being of animals is inspiring,” said Kelly Duer, Foster Care Specialist at Maddie’s Fund. “So many of these programs incorporated foster care for the first time. This not only gave dogs and cats a break from the shelter, it also helped the shelter to learn more about the pet’s personality, allowing them to help find their match.”
“We couldn’t be happier with this outcome. The Challenge brought together over 100 organizations from nearly every region of the country. These groups collectively stepped out of their comfort zones to try new ideas,” said Dr. Sheila (D’Arpino) Segurson, Director of Research at Maddie’s Fund. “In all, 4,974 dogs and 11,029 cats found new homes!”
The top honor was awarded to Jacksonville Humane Society in Jacksonville, FL, for Most Creative Program Overall. They will receive a $10,000 grant. The first place Impact Award went to Los Angeles Animal Services in Los Angeles, CA. Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in Georgetown, TX, won Most Creative Foster or Adoption Tactic.
Congratulations to all of the winners:
Most Creative Program Overall
1st place: Jacksonville Humane Society
2nd place: Hillsborough County Pet Resources
3rd place: Young Williams Animal Center
Impact Award:
1st place: Los Angeles Animal Services
2nd place: Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society
3rd place: Richmond SPCA
Most Creative Foster or Adoption Tactic:
1st place: Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter
2nd place: Safe Harbor Humane
3rd place: Fearless Kitty Rescue
$1,000 Challenge Completion Awards
Humane Society Silicon Valley
San Diego Humane Society
Citrus County Animal Services
Furkids Animal Rescue & Shelters
Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter
Nevada SPCA
Meridian Canine Rescue
Louisville Metro Animal Services
Memphis Animal Services
Humane Society of South Mississippi
About Maddie's Fund
Maddie's Fund® is a family foundation created in 1994 by Workday® co-founder Dave Duffield and his wife, Cheryl, who have endowed the Foundation with more than $300 million. Since then, the Foundation has awarded more than $225.7 million in grants toward increased community lifesaving, shelter medicine education, and pet adoptions across the U.S. The Duffields named Maddie's Fund after their Miniature Schnauzer Maddie, who always made them laugh and gave them much joy. Maddie was with Dave and Cheryl from 1987 - 1997 and continues to inspire them today.
Maddie's Fund is the fulfillment of a promise to an inspirational dog, investing its resources to create a no-kill nation where every dog and cat is guaranteed a healthy home or habitat. #ThanksToMaddie.