Save-A-Pet helps animals through partnerships
Save-A-Pet Adoption Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and no-kill animal rescue, enters its 40th year of saving lives with the hopes of garnering more support from area businesses and their employees. Save-A-Pet's annual operating expenses exceed $1,300,000, which does not include the costs Save-A-Pet will need to incur over the next several years in making critical repairs and improvements to its rescue facility.
“Corporate giving directly results in lives saved,” Development Manager Marc Portugal said. “We are funded solely by donations — including gifts such as payroll deductions, employer match programs, challenge grants, and event sponsorships. As an example, a $500 corporate gift literally saves three lives, or feeds one dog or cat prescription food for an entire year. $5,000 in employer match funds can save 25 lives, or feed over 10 dogs and cats for an entire year. Most importantly, corporate gifts ensure there is enough time for the animals to heal, and find a loving forever home of their own.”
Located in Grayslake, Save-A-Pet Adoption Center is one of the largest no-kill animal rescues in all of Chicagoland, and one of the very few operating a full-time adoption center. Housing over 250 dogs and cats rescued from neglect, abandonment or relinquishment; Save-A-Pet values every life equally and does not discriminate against age, health or breed when deciding whether or not to save a life. As such, Save-A-Pet is a sanctuary to some animals; positioning Save-A-Pet as truly unique among Chicagoland rescue organizations. Since 1972, Save-A-Pet has saved more than 40,000 lives and has expanded thousands of families.
Portugal stresses corporate giving as a “partnership” between businesses and Save-A-Pet.
“We can save lives only because of our amazing relationships. We regularly reach more than 10,000 Facebook fans, as well as thousands of email and snail mail contacts. Our supporters are made aware of the corporate partnerships that help us save more lives. Statistics clearly show that four out of five consumers and donors alike value brands that consistently support local causes like Save-A-Pet.”
In addition to exposure to potential customers, Portugal cites other qualitative and quantitative benefits: “Corporate giving boosts employee morale. Corporate giving makes a great media story. Corporate giving enhances brand image. Corporate giving can also reduce expenses by way of donations in-kind, and obviously via tax deductions.” Save-A-Pet's demographic is summarized as 70 percent female with professional business experience, users of smart-phones and social media, and more.
Save-A-Pet will host three marquee events in 2012: a walk-a-thon in late May, an adopter reunion in August commemorating its 40th anniversary and a sit-down dinner and auction gala in late October. Additionally, Save-A-Pet has established annual giving programs that directly fund the costs of rescue, ongoing rehabilitation, and senior animals. Opportunities to support all of these events and programs exist on varying levels including naming rights. All of these support platforms offering businesses the opportunity to make the ultimate impact: saving the lives of more dogs and cats.
Businesses interested in helping to save more lives can learn more about corporate giving partnerships with Save-A-Pet Adoption Center by contacting Development Manager Marc Portugal at marcp@saveapetil.org or (847) 740-7788, ext. 102.