Carson City-based Pets of the Homeless begins end of year fundraising

With thousands of pets at stake across the United States, Pets of the Homeless has begun its annual fundraising campaign in an effort to help homeless individuals keep their furry companions healthy.

Pets Founder Genevieve Frederick said her organization hopes to raise $43,000 nationwide by the end of 2016. The annual campaign kicked off Nov. 1 and runs two months through Dec. 31.

“Eighty seven cents out of every dollar donated goes directly to our free programs,” Frederick said.

To date, Pets of the Homeless has helped more than 14,000 pets since its beginning a decade ago.

Since achieving 501(c)3 non-profit status in 2008, about 441 tons of pet food has been collected at donation sites.

“That food has a fair market value of $1.7 million,” Frederick said.

More than $434,000 has been spent by the organization to cover the costs of veterinary costs. But that doesn’t include the value of services that have been donated by veterinarians in communities throughout the United States, Frederick said.

Just this year alone, she said, 11 cases have been served in Carson City.

“The community’s very, very supportive of what we do,” Frederick said.

Pets of the Homeless just completed a month-long fundraiser during October in partnership with Michael Hohl Chevrolet in Carson City, she said. Pet food donations were accepted in an effort to fill up a brand new pickup truck.

More than 1,165 pounds of pet food with a fair market value of $2,962 was collected at the dealership, she said.

The food was then picked up by Friends In Service Helping (FISH) for distribution at its food bank.

For the second straight year, Chef Don Pepe — the “Paella King” of Carson City and owner of Carpa Nevada, LLC — along with Dan and Trish Wilson of Downtown Coin at 111 W. Telegraph Street in downtown Carson City have teamed up to fund-raise for Pets of the Homeless.

“We’re real excited about the chef doing this fundraiser again this year,” Frederick said. “With that money, he’s helping to keep our community safe from rabies and Parvo virus.”

Dan Wilson and Chef Pepe both said their goal is to at least double last year’s funds raised.

Nearly $400 in profit from the sale of Pepe’s signature imported Portugese olive oils and balsamic vinegars was raised last year to help the Carson City-based non-profit provide food and veterinary care to homeless pets.

“That donation last year went a long ways to allow us to have a free wellness clinic right here in Carson City at FISH in May,” Frederick said.

The clinic featured spay and neutering service for numerous pets in the community, she said.

Pepe said he’d be real happy if they can achieve $1,000 this year.

“Chef Pepe has such a big heart,” Frederick said. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate his support. He’s just wonderful.”

The fundraising campaign between Downtown Coin and Chef Pepe began Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 31.

Pepe’s products can be purchased for the fundraiser by visiting Downtown Coin.

Olive oils cost $15 per bottle and balsamic vinegar is priced at $20 per bottle.

Frederick said all monetary and food donations go to help homeless persons keep their pets and maintain their health by ensuring they receive nourishment and needed veterinary care.

“Donated pet food could very well mean the difference between paying for gas or walking for many in Carson City,” she said. “The donations go towards our goal of reaching 135,000 pounds, nationwide.”

The need for donations not withstanding, Frederick said Pets of the Homeless is always looking for volunteers to help carry out the organization’s mission.

“Go on our web site, learn more about what we do, and share that with your family and friends,” she said. “We’re always recruiting volunteers to help out.”

To learn more about locally-based Pets of the Homeless and how to help, visit its web site here. Or follow it on Facebook here.