At the Santa Cruz Gala event last month, hosted by the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, I was lucky to be seated next to Nancie Newby, executive director of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation.
Sometimes at large events you can be seated with people you have never met before and either the experience becomes delightful, or perhaps it feels like it is going to be a very long night. But, like I said, “I was lucky and blessed.”
In my case, we connected on many levels, laughed a lot, and when I learned about her work with the Foundation, her passion for animals, and her overall enthusiasm for life, I knew I had to share with you how important her work truly is.
Why the Foundation Matters
Many of us have heard about our local SPCA and Animal Control nonprofit organizations, but the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter Foundation (SCCASF) is also a nonprofit, with its own mission to support the Shelter through education, advocacy and fundraising.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. On their website scanimalshelterfoundation.org, they offer extensive information about their programs, events and ways the community can help.
“As the largest and most comprehensive animal care and rescue organization in the county, the open-admission SCCASF serves over 7,000 animals each year. Intake is almost 6,000, while outreach programs help another 1,000-plus animals and their families.”
Government funding is limited, so they depend on the county to sustain their life-saving and pet homelessness prevention programs. The Foundation partners with the Shelter to ensure all crucial services continue and grow for pets and their humans.
“We hope you will join them to provide better care for animals and create a more compassionate future for all creatures great and small,” according to their website.
Programs That Change Lives
Nancie further explained, “The Foundation serves as the fundraising arm behind the county’s animal shelter, supporting programs the shelter cannot afford, including the Extra Mile Fund for injured animals, the Planned Pethood Fund for low-cost spay-neuter services, and free vaccination and microchip clinics for county residents.”
I listened to her enthusiasm for these programs as she explained how the Foundation helps subsidize various services to the County Animal Shelter, sometimes the SPCA while maintaining a behind-the-scenes role that many people may not fully recognize.
Since governmental funding is limited, the Shelter depends heavily on community support to sustain the life-saving and pet homelessness programs. Two locations in Santa Cruz and Watsonville, the Shelter budget remains underfunded, while staff members are primarily focused on providing care and crisis intervention for the County’s neediest animals.
“There is little time or staffing available to focus on community partnerships, humane education or fundraising. This is where the SCCASF steps in and helps bridge the gap,” Nancie also shared. “The Foundation supports the largest animal welfare in the county.”
A Heart for Animals
An animal lover through and through, Nancie’s passion extends far beyond simply loving her own pets. I doubt you will be surprised to learn that before joining the Foundation seven years ago, she was already volunteering with animals.
Volunteering since 2016, Nancie said, “Volunteering with the animals is my happy place.”
Animals clearly mean a great deal to her, and after years of dedicating her time to both the Shelter and SPCA, it is not surprising her volunteerism turned into leadership, leading the organization to support the Shelter through education, advocacy and fundraising.
Her compassion is not performative. You feel it when she speaks. For anyone who has ever loved a pet, rescued an animal or experienced the comfort only an animal can bring, you understand immediately why the Foundation’s work matters.
How the Community Can Help
On their website, you will discover several ways to donate and support the Foundation’s mission. Contributions can include vehicle donations, employee matching programs, legacy giving, stock donations, and even RMD and IRA rollovers, and more.
Another wonderful way to support their mission is by attending the upcoming Tails of Hope Gala on Sept. 26 at the UCSC Hay Barn.
Remember, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened,” —Anatole France.
Janet Janssen is a Speaker and Storytelling Coach for executives who want to level up their communication and vocal branding skills for greater influence and impact. Contact her through the website JanetJanssen.com.
