According to SPCA of Texas Former Board Chair Katy Murray,
“The SPCA of Texas has had a lot to be thankful for this past year, from saving thousands of animal’s lives, expanding community services and initiatives to celebrating their 80th anniversary. But, none of it would have been possible without the dedication and support from the SPCA of Texas’ sponsors. In 2018, their support has helped the SPCA of Texas rescue, rehabilitate and rehome thousands of North Texas animals. I especially want to recognize long-time supporters, board member Stacey Kivowitz, and her husband, Don, for their generous $200,000 gift to the SPCA of Texas announced at Fur Ball 2018 in September.
“Their gift has been used to support the continued delivery of affordable community medicine and wellness care through The Kivo 2.0 mobile unit, a 33-foot veterinary clinic on wheels. The Kivo 2.0 joins the Kivo Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic, both of which target 23 zip codes in the SPCA of Texas’ Southern Dallas Initiative. Each week, the mobile vehicles go out to these underserved neighborhoods and provide free spay/neuter surgeries to residents with pets.
“The goal of the Southern Dallas Spay/Neuter and Wellness Initiative is to address the serious loose animal and animal overpopulation issues in Dallas. Through multiple programs, the SPCA of Texas provides free and low-cost spay/neuter and wellness services to the neediest communities, including free vaccinations, flea/tick preventative and microchips to residents in the community, helping keep pets in homes, off the streets and out of shelters.
“Stacey says their passion for animals, for Dallas, as well as the pride they have for the SPCA of Texas’ work compelled them to make this $200,000 commitment. This holiday season we would simply like to say thank you to Don and Stacey and all of the SPCA of Texas’ supporters for allowing us to say yes and do whatever it takes to care for the animals in North Texas.
“You can support the SPCA of Texas’ Southern Dallas Initiative by contributing and attending Paws Cause 2019 to be held at the Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center on Sunday, January 27, from 6-9 p.m. Chair Susie Swanson, Briggs Freeman and her committee will deliver a spectacular evening for lovers of food and animals! Abraham Salum, owner and executive chef of Salum restaurant, and five other signature chefs will delight guests. Plus, a silent auction, live music and other surprises await all who attend. Also that night, long time SPCA of Texas donor and community philanthropist Bobbi Snyder will receive the 2019 Mary Spencer Humanitarian Award. You can buy tickets or learn more about other sponsorship levels online at pawscausedallas.com.”
* Photo and graphic provided by SPCA Of Texas ** Photo credit: Thomas Garza