Jacquelyn Zehring has always been owned by cats. “I’ve never met a cat I didn’t like — just some more than others!” says the Winchester, Va., resident.
Jackie first heard about North Shore Animal League America in the mid-70s from a good friend who was supporting our no-kill mission. Jackie was searching for an organization that not only rescued animals in need, but also helped them heal and placed them in loving, permanent homes.
Mindful of Animal League America’s commitment to nurturing Mutt-i-grees®, she and Barbara Barrett, our former Director of Planned Giving, teamed up on the dental suite campaign several years ago. Jackie suggested a challenge grant and offered to match 50 cents for every dollar donated. Thanks to her initial push, another friend of Animal League America stepped up and increased his grant to dollar-for-dollar. The dental suite was funded in 29 days.
Since then, Jackie has funded renovation of the Special Recovery Center’s cat evaluation room, all in the name of Clancy, Bailey, and Taylor, her current feline family members. She also used the matching grant idea with Cat’s Cradle, her favorite shelter in the Shenandoah Valley and an Animal League America rescue partner.
“North Shore Animal League America is a major part of my life plan,” she says. “And I look forward to creating a charitable trust that will allow self-perpetuating support for Animal League America’s cats for decades to come. I cannot think of a better footprint to leave on the earth!”
To learn more about how you can support our lifesaving mission with a gift, please contact Jill Burkhardt, at jillb@animalleague.org, or call 576-883-7900, ext 833.