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Events & News2009 Fall Appeal Dear Friend of SMAWL:"We could have bought a small yacht with what we spent on our dog and all the things he destroyed. Then again, how many yachts wait by the door all day for you return?" ~ John Grogan, Marley and Me, 2005 As we enter this season of fall, we are reminded of the many things we have to be thankful for as volunteers with the St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League. We’ve watched our volunteer roster grow to over 200, and our membership now consists of over 1,250 supporters. In 2009, we celebrated our 5th annual Animal Fair which was enjoyed by hundreds of pet lovers and our animal rescue partners throughout the region. We’ve spent the first and third Saturday of each month at PETCO introducing our beloved animals to an array of perspective homes. We’ve vaccinated approximately 630 animals so far this year at our monthly, low cost rabies clinics. In 2008, we helped local families grow with the additions of 57 dogs and 70 cats, and, as of September 1, we’ve found homes for 48 dogs and 32 cats so far in 2009. The list goes on and on. It is for these and many other reasons that we have proudly coined the phrase SMAWL miracles. One miracle that could change the lives of thousands of animals is the prevention of pet overpopulation through spay and neuter programs. This is a mission of many rescue groups nationwide, and SMAWL is no exception. Controlling our pet population would spare countless animals a life of homelessness and an unfortunate end at the animal shelter. To help, SMAWL created the SnyderShare program. YES! I want to create SMAWL miracles. Please accept my gift of $___________________ towards the 2009 Fall Appeal which will match the Snyder grant for our spay and neuter program. All gifts are 100% tax deductible. Donors will receive acknowledgement of their gift along with a tax receipt. To be included on 2009 taxes, all gifts must be postmarked by 12/31/2009. SMAWL has been fortunate for the last 15 years to be the recipients of a Snyder Foundation for Animals grant which provides funds specifically designated for spaying and neutering. With our SnyderShare program, SMAWL passes along these spay and neuter funds to needy county residents, and also to independent rescuers trying to control the feral cat population. In 2008, we issued 232 SMAWL SynderShare grants to assist local residents with the spaying or neutering of their pets. The need for this service is growing, especially as many of our neighbors face hardship due to loss of employment, skyrocketing mortgage payments, or other economic circumstances. Regardless of their struggles, we want to be there for our county residents who choose to responsibly keep their pets, instead of surrendering them to a life of homelessness, over breeding, or a trip to the shelter. More than ever, our spay and neuter program is critical in helping pet owners to be responsible. Because we believe in SMAWL miracles, in 2009, the SMAWL Board of Directors voted to raise funds to match our Snyder Foundation grant. To help us match our $7,500 Snyder Foundation grant this year, we are sending you this Fall Appeal. Would you consider making a gift to SMAWL which will be designated to match our Snyder Foundation grant? A gift to our Fall Appeal is a way to double your gift, as every dollar will be attached to a dollar given by the Snyder Foundation. Our goal for this appeal is $7,500. Watch our progress towards this goal on our SMAWL website. Combined with the funds received from the Snyder Foundation grant, this will enable SMAWL to help spay and neuter even more pets than last year. We are thankful for all you do for SMAWL, and we hope our Fall Appeal is another opportunity you choose to support. As always, your gift is 100% tax deductible, and no gift is too large or too small. Just as Marley’s owners began to look at the money spent on their beloved pet, we too realize that all money adds up. What great SMAWL miracles these funds will allow us to perform! Blessings for a wonderful fall and a peaceful holiday season. Sincerely, Melissa Carnes |
