Pleasanton, CA, April 26, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maddie’s Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has surprised 15 animal welfare leaders with Maddie Hero Awards for their incredible efforts in furthering the no-kill nation mission through shelter medicine, community lifesaving and big picture thinking.
The prestigious Maddie Hero Award, which comes with a $10,000 grant for their respective organizations, recognizes and honors the “top dogs” in communities that are not only advancing the welfare of companion animals in the United States, but are leading the way with their innovative ideas, progressive thinking and lifesaving actions.
There has been a significant amount of progress made in the movement over the past 12 months. In its second year, the list grew by nearly 70%. Maddie’s Fund invites you to join them in congratulating the 2017 Maddie Heroes and their teams:
Lifesaving
Robin Starr, Richmond SPCA Elena Bicker, Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation
Christie Banduch, Kirby/Bexar County Animal Services Dr. Karen Sheppard, Huntsville Animal Services
Big Picture Thinking
Dr. Kate Hurley, Million Cat Challenge Dr. Julie Levy, Million Cat Challenge
Tara Loller, The Humane Society of the United States Julie Morris, ASPCA
Susan Houser, Out the Front Door blog Ann Dunn, Cat Town
Shelter medicine
Dr. Cynda Crawford, University of Florida Dr. Sandra Newbury, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Dr. Elizabeth Berliner, Cornell University Dr. Jan Scarlett, Cornell University
Dr. Robin Brennen, Animal Care Centers, NYC
“The significance of this announcement date is profound,” said Amy Zeifang, Executive Leadership Team, Maddie’s Fund. “Today, we celebrate these leaders on the same date we celebrate Maddie’s 30th birthday, which she shares with all homeless pets. Like our namesake, we are inspired by the lifesaving efforts of people across the country, and we couldn’t be more proud.”
For more about Maddie’s birthday celebration and how to get involved, visit the Maddie’s Fund website.
About Maddie’s Fund
Maddie's Fund® is a family foundation created in 1994 by Workday® co-founder Dave Duffield and his wife, Cheryl, who have endowed the Foundation with more than $300 million. Since then, the Foundation has awarded more than $187.8 million in grants toward increased community lifesaving, shelter medicine education, and pet adoptions across the U.S. The Duffields named Maddie's Fund after their Miniature Schnauzer Maddie, who always made them laugh and gave them much joy. Maddie was with Dave and Cheryl from 1987 - 1997 and continues to inspire them today.
Maddie's Fund is the fulfillment of a promise to an inspirational dog, investing its resources to create a no-kill nation where every dog and cat is guaranteed a healthy home or habitat. #ThanksToMaddie.
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/943af105-209a-41f3-a7ba-4198465daf3c