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Heart to Heart
As the leaves on the trees start to show shades of orange, red and yellow, spend a moment with me to consider the changes that the Atlanta Humane Society is embracing and the crescendo of excitement for our next season.
As we look towards the future, as the incoming President, I invite you to celebrate the successes of the past year. In 2011, Atlanta Humane Society will adopt more than 5,000 pets into loving homes with families throughout Georgia. We will complete more than 7,500 spay/neuter procedures thanks to the expanded availability of our Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program and the Surgical Utility Vehicle. These initiatives as well as many others are only possible due to the ongoing support of our donors and our community.
Our efforts are certainly not going unnoticed. This fall, Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator, awarded Atlanta Humane Society its coveted Four-Star Rating honoring our sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. This is a true testament to the superior leadership and ongoing dedication of everyone that touches this organization – our staff as well as our volunteers.
Every person (and animal) makes a difference. Our largest (7.3 acres and 32,000 square feet) achievement
this year is on the near horizon. Join me at the grand opening of the Mansell Campus on December 3. Our new, state-of-the-art animal rescue and adoption center expands our services and outreach to the North Fulton region. Currently, only 5% of adopters at the Howell Mill Campus reside in this area. We expect the activity at the new campus to result in loving homes for more than 5,000 animals in 2012 – essentially doubling the number of adoptions from the Atlanta Humane Society.
Without the support of our community, the Mansell Campus and our expanded outreach services would not be possible. Recently, we launched a Capital Campaign to raise $10 million to support the facility and operations of the Mansell Campus. I am proud to announce that we have already received almost $5 million in donations and pledges to date. I am deeply appreciative of the outpouring of support for this organization and invite you to consider sharing in our success with your financial support.
I have always had a heart for animals. As the Chairman of the Board for two terms and a board member since 2000, my passion for animals has emerged as a guiding principal in my life, which makes it an honor to be asked to serve as your President. I intend to build upon our successes and work side by side with our team to continue our mission and seek new opportunities that will make a significant difference in the lives of animals throughout Atlanta and across Georgia.
In closing, consider this. What is on your Holiday gift list? Does it include a pet adoption, a sponsor of a long-time shelter animal, volunteer time or even a financial donation? I hope that you will join me to celebrate a new season of the Atlanta Humane Society.
William Shaheen
President