Volunteer Spotlight

February 26, 2013 by
Kathryn Panko Volunteer of the Month

Kathryn Panko
Volunteer of the Month

Congratulations to Kathryn Panko, the February volunteer of the month.  Kathy has been volunteering with us for over a year now and she is a true pleasure to have on our team.

Kathy is an avid dog lover and has spent endless hours walking, snuggling and helping get animals adopted.  Our staff can count on Kathy’s help and superior matchmaking skills when a potential adopter is searching for a new pet. “I look forward to going to the PSPCA every week because I love working with all the dogs. I am always excited for the dogs when I discover they have found a happy new home with a great family.”

Thank you Kathy, for being a driving force with our adoption efforts and for always being someone we can count on.

Filed Under: Achievements, Community, Foster Care, Recognition, Recognition, Special Events, Volunteering with Us, Volunteers, Volunteers

Celebrating 28 years of service

February 12, 2013 by

We celebrate Gloria Daugherty’s 28th year anniversary with the Peninsula SPCA.   For 28 years, Gloria has served as a Kennel Assistant, devoting her life to the care of abandoned and homeless in her community.  Her commitment for animal welfare has always been a significant part of her life.  Gloria shared that “the animals admitted to the Peninsula SPCA, stray or owner surrender, are so grateful for a gentle pet and a calming voice while they are here, and I can show them the affection they need and deserve.”

Gloria Daugherty

Gloria Daugherty celebrates 28 years with the Peninsula SPCA

As a firm believer that rescued animals make the best additions to families, she shared that, “animals
that are given a second chance are so forgiving and have so much unconditional love to share with their care givers.”  Gloria found her best friend Penny, a copper 12-year-old Dachshund, 10 years ago at the Peninsula SPCA and instantly fell in love.  “It was love at first sight and I knew she had to be mine.”  During her 28 years of service, she has seen progressive and positive changes at the Peninsula SPCA.

“The best part of my job is seeing the pets I helped care for get adopted.  The adoption numbers just keep going up.”  She started as a volunteer at 21 years of age and has been a valued employee since her start date.  Gloria does not have plans of slowing down.  She looks forward to her future making a positive difference in the lives of the animals at the Peninsula SPCA.  “I just love my furry friends.”

Filed Under: Community, Recognition

Fur Ball Success

February 6, 2013 by

Sit.Stay.Shine.Success!Fur Ball 2013

The Peninsula SPCA’s sixth annual Fur Ball 2013 fundraiser held on Saturday, February 2 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, raised $166,000!  With the dedication from our contributors, sponsors and volunteers, we are thrilled to announce the Peninsula SPCA 2013 Fur Ball funds raised increased by 78 percent compared to last year’s Fur Ball and for all of our homeless animals. These monies raised will be a vital part to the transition of becoming an Adoption Guarantee Organization.

Every year at Fur Ball, the Peninsula SPCA auctions the coveted title, Fur Ball Spokes Pet for some lucky pet to represent the Peninsula SPCA’s Fur Ball. The item is an exciting opportunity to show off your pet! The winner will be featured on the Peninsula SPCA’s website and all Fur Ball promotional materials. We are excited to announce this year’s winner for Fur Ball 2014 Spokes Pet, Ellie Nellie Noodles!

Bow Wow! Ellie Nellie Noodles is a smooth-haired boarder collie, English pointer mix rescue and she is infinitely excited to be the new Fur Ball 2014 Spokes Pet!  Laura Brown, SPCA Board Member and 2013 Fur Ball Chairman, was ecstatic when her winning bid won Ellie Nellie Noodles the coveted Spokes Pet title.  “I cannot believe she won!  Ellie Nellie Noodles is the Fur Ball 2014 Spokes Pet!” Picture above features Laura Brown and Edward Fiscella with Fur Ball 2014 Spokes Pet Ellie Nellie Noodles on the red carpet during the pet parade.

For the first time, Fur Ball sold out! At this year’s event almost 400 guests and 55 pets filled the Hampton Roads Convention Center’s ballroom. New this year was an exclusive V.I.P. pre-party for our top sponsors and their guests! As always our traditional guests enjoyed cocktails, live music by Tidewater Drive Band and during dinner sweet sounds performed by The Strolling Silver Strings from Norfolk Public Schools, a joint presentation of the Music Education and Programs for the Gifted of the Norfolk Public Schools that is a specialty to the event.

Thanks to our Auctioneer G. Amory LeCuyer from Hampton House Auctions, we set a new record by raising $38,900 during the live auction. Contributors won prizes including an African Safari Trip, Bahamas vacation, a trip to historic Charleston, Churchill Downs Tickets and an exclusive American Flag Flown over Afghanistan that was given with sentimental patriotic pride.

Most important, we would not be able to execute this event without dedicated volunteers. Thanks to over 165 volunteers who helped the night of the event as well as the months leading up to Fur Ball. Our volunteers assisted with event set-up, decorations, silent auction, care for guests’ pets as pet escorts and greeters during the evening.

“This year’s Fur Ball was an important kick-off event for our transition to becoming an Adoption Guarantee Organization. in 2013. We will soon face the reality of operating the shelter without the assistance of contract revenues from our local municipalities, so we thank the generous contributions from our community for this will be vital to the transition to saving the lives of  homeless pets on the Peninsula,” states Ellen Thacker, SPCA Executive Director.

View Fur Ball 2013 Photo Gallery! 
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The Peninsula SPCA thanks all of our generous sponsors!  Red Carpet Sponsors:  Ferguson and Smithfield. Waggin’ Tails Sponsors:  Judy and Henry Morris, Donna and James Thornton, and York River Electric, Inc. Fat Cat Sponsors: Laura Y. Brown and Edward G. Fiscella, VEI Homes, and W.M. Jordan Company. Muttini Bar Sponsors: Dr. and Mrs. Robert Snyder, Red Arrow Products Company, L.L.C., TowneBank. Purrfect Paw Sponsor: BayPort Credit Union, C&F Bank, Sentara CarePlex Hospital, VCA Boulevard Animal Hospital, and Virginia Health Services. Mutts & Meows Sponsors: 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union, Bosh Global Services, The Commonwealth Company, M. Price Distributing Company, Spectrum Foundation, Todds Lane Veterinary Hospital and Lucille and Frank Wagner. Puppy Love Sponsor: James Reade Chisman, Link, Jacobs, & Link D.D.S., Jeff Reid, The Spencer Group at Morgan Stanley, Villanueva Agency LTD. Nationwide Insurance, and Whitman, Requardt, & Associates, LLP.

Filed Under: Community, Give, Special Events Tagged With: , ,

Holly Days Parade 2012

December 14, 2012 by

Staff and volunteers participated in an evening of enchantment in the Hampton Holly Days Parade Saturday, December 8.  Generous contributor James Tait, donated his time and DeLorean to promote a “better future for pets” using his “Back to the Future” DeLorean.  Peninsula SPCA volunteers and staff decorated the DeLorean headlights to tail lights in tinsel, bows and presents.  Thank you to all our staff and volunteers for your hard work and dedication while preparing and for marching in the parade.  For those who missed the parade, tune into WVEC-13, Saturday, December 22 at 1:30 p.m.  for a rerun.  Check out Facebook for more pictures from the parade.

Filed Under: Community, Outreach, Recognition, Special Events, Volunteers

Fur Ball Sold Out

December 13, 2012 by
Captain Frank 2013 Fur Ball SpokesPet

Captain Frank 2013 Fur Ball SpokesPet

Sit. Stay. Shine! at the Peninsula SPCA’s Sixth Annual Fur Ball Gala Fundraiser on February 2, 2013 from 6:00- 11:00 p.m., at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. The SPCA is proud to have Ferguson and Smithfield Foods as the presenting Fur Ball Red Carpet Sponsors. Fur Ball Tickets are no longer available.

“Ferguson is honored to help the Peninsula SPCA on its quest to become an adoption guarantee shelter,” said Denise Vaughn, Ferguson’s Director of Corporate Communications. “At Ferguson, we’re not only passionate about our work, but we’re also passionate about doing well for our community. This includes securing the best care and helping find forever homes for our community’s homeless animals.”

“BARK! BARK! WOOF! WOOF!” exclaims 2013 Fur Ball SpokesPets Captain Frank and Carolina. Speaking on their behalf are owners Cathy and Matt McQuade, “We are pleased to be representing the SPCA 2013 Fur Ball fundraising event.  We are proud to be helping the Peninsula SPCA raise money so they can help all the other adoptable animals in need of a new home.  Carolina and I give Fur Ball a “paws up” event. We hope you will support our furry friends at the Peninsula SPCA.”  Captain Frank and Carolina, two dachshund doggies won their title as the 2013 Fur Ball SpokesPet during last year’s live auction. These lucky dogs will be leading the Parade of Pets on the red carpet during the evening and will enjoy a tart beverage from the exclusive “Muttini Bar”, sponsored by Red Arrow Product Company.

At Fur Ball, you will be greeted with the sounds of The Strolling Silver Strings, a joint presentation of the Music Education and Programs for the Gifted of the Norfolk Public Schools.  You and your pet can spend a glamorous evening while supporting the orphaned pets at the Peninsula SPCA.  Dance the night away with live entertainment from Tidewater Drive Band, enjoy cocktails, and fine dining catered by Embassy Suites.

To help raise funds, guests may participate in the Fur Ball’s live and silent auction. Auctioneer will be G. Amory LeCuyer from Hampton House Auctions. Contributors may win prizes such as a Bahamas vacation, Wintergreen Resort escape, and a trip to historic Savannah, Georgia.  If you wish to give to the event auction, please contact Leslie Magner at 757-595-1399 ext: 104.

Carolina

Carolina, 2013 Fur Ball SpokesPet

Leading up to Fur Ball 2013, generous sponsors had donated over $60,000.  This year we are striving to exceed $100,000 to help orphaned and sick animals at our shelter. Sponsorship packages range from $250 up to $15,000.  If you are interested in helping to save the lives of animals, visit our sponsorship opportunities.

 

Filed Under: Community, Give, Outreach, Partners, Special Events Tagged With: ,

Welcome Ellen Thacker

December 13, 2012 by
Ellen Thacker, Executive Director with Michigan

Ellen Thacker, Executive Director
with Michigan

The Peninsula SPCA welcomes new Executive Director, Ellen Clark Thacker.  Ellen joined the Peninsula SPCA team in November and is very excited to direct the SPCA in a continued progressive direction in becoming an adoption-guarantee organization.

“My first priority is to save animal lives by finding additional options and resources for the homeless pets of our community,” said Thacker. “By establishing ourselves as an adoption-guarantee organization, we will find new ways to partner with our local municipal animal control groups and expand options for rescuing adoptable animals on the Peninsula.”

With a successful work history consisting primarily of private sector business experience, Ellen decided it was time for a change. She followed her passion for animal welfare and became the Executive Director for the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society in 2008. There she helped to increase adoption rates, attain no-kill status for the shelter’s canine population, and implemented a 100% pre-adoption spay/neuter policy for all animals adopted from the Gloucester-Mathews-Middlesex Animal Shelter.

“I wanted to join the Peninsula SPCA to be a part of their transition to adoption-guarantee,” said Thacker. “This is a tremendously important step for our shelter and its animals, and will need the full support our community. We are thrilled with the opportunities that this transition will bring.”

Pictured with Ellen is Ginger.  She is a year old and available for adoption.  Ginger is a very sweet and a playful young pit bill mix.  Being a young canine, she would thrive as a part of an active family and would love to be someone’s personal trainer.  She is nervous around other dogs and cats, so she would flourish as the only pet in the house.  But don’t worry she has more than enough love to give every family member.  She even gives hugs!  Like all animals adopted from the Peninsula SPCA, Ginger has been spayed, microchipped and vaccinated.  Come take Ginger home in time for the holidays because all she wants for Christmas is you!

Filed Under: Community, Recognition

Volunteer Spotlight

November 27, 2012 by
Kathryn Panko January Volunteer of the Month

Kathryn Panko
January Volunteer of the Month

Congratulations to Kathryn Panko, the January volunteer of the month.  Kathy has been volunteering with us for over a year now and she is a true pleasure to have on our team.

Kathy is an avid dog lover and has spent endless hours walking, snuggling and helping get animals adopted.  Our staff can count on Kathy’s help and superior matchmaking skills when a potential adopter is searching for a new pet. “I look forward to going to the PSPCA every week because I love working with all the dogs. I am always excited for the dogs when I discover they have found a happy new home with a great family.”

Thank you Kathy, for being a driving force with our adoption efforts and for always being someone we can count on.

Filed Under: Achievements, Foster Care, Programs, Recognition, Special Events, Volunteering with Us, Volunteers, Volunteers

Thankful for our contributors and pets

November 26, 2012 by

Newport News, VA-  Thanksgiving is a holiday to reflect about what we are most thankful for in our lives.  For many of us, that is family, friends and home.  For neglected and abandoned animals on the Peninsula community, Thanksgiving is another day hoping to find their forever families.  As a non-profit organization, The Peninsula SPCA relies on generous contributors to help fund our mission to supply medicine, medical care, food and shelter.  Orphaned pets have a safe refuge at the Peninsula SPCA until we find homeless pets loving and forever homes.  Everyone at the Peninsula SPCA says, “thank you” to all who have donated supplies from our wish list, monetary giving and volunteered their time and efforts to help our animals.  However, more is still needed.

To date, the Peninsula SPCA has saved over 2,250 animals thanks to your contributions.  We cannot do this alone and we need continued support from our community.  In a given week, the Peninsula SPCA uses over 1,000 lbs of cat litter, 250 bags of dog food and countless newspapers used for bedding.  You can help homeless animals by giving supplies such as Purina or Pedigree dog and cat food, newspapers, nylon leashes, and shoeboxes.  Give back as a Peninsula SPCA volunteer.  Volunteers are an essential part of our organization by helping care for our animals and enriching their lives until we find their forever families.  Visit www.peninsulaspca.org today to learn how to become a Peninsula SPCA volunteer and download our wish list to give today.

Ways to give back:

1.)    Adopt a homeless pet.

2.)    Organize a food drive at your school, workplace or community club.

3.)    Give towards the daily costs to care for our animals in need.

4.)    Volunteer with us.

5.)    Foster our special needs pets.

Be thankful for pets and protect them during the Thanksgiving holiday.  Here are healthy tips to keep your pet safe during Thanksgiving:

  1. Give your pet only boneless & well-cooked turkey.  Undercooked turkey may contain salmonella and cause food poisoning.
  2. Keep sage herbs away from your pet.  If ingested in large quantities, your pet can suffer from an upset stomach.
  3. No bread dough.  An animals’ body heat can cause raw bread dough to rise in the stomach and you pet may suffer abdominal pain leading to life-threatening complications.
  4. Don’t let them eat cake.  Cake containing raw eggs could cause food poisoning due to salmonella.
  5. Don’t overindulge on turkey, mashed potatoes or pumpkin pie.  Excessive eating can lead to fatal pancreatitis.
  6. Give your pet a Kong feast.  A Kong filled with peanut butter or Frosty Paws (ice cream for dogs) will keep your pet busy and leave them satisfied.

Always be thankful for your pet, but remember those animals who are less fortunate and need your help.  Please reach out and give to homeless animals this holiday season.

Join the Peninsula SPCA in making our mission impactful and together we will continue to be a voice for the animals.

For more information, contact Leslie Magner, Communications & Outreach Coordinator at 595-1399 ext 104 or leslie@peninsulaspca.org.

Filed Under: Community, Outreach, Uncategorized

Peninsula Town Center Adoption Weekend

October 23, 2012 by

The Peninsula SPCA teamed up with Portsmouth Humane Society at the Peninsula Town Center adoption event to help increase their adoption numbers for the ASPCA 100K Challenge.  Pictured is Firecracker, a Plott Hound mix looking for her forever home.  Other adoptable animals accompanied Firecracker, including Rocky, Spearmint, Bruno, Abner and Bilbo.  Come visit them at the Peninsula SPCA and meet your forever best friend!

Filed Under: Adoptable Pets, Outreach

Chick-Fil-A Pet Food Drive

October 12, 2012 by

Chick-Fil-A Patrick Henry Mall Food Court gives back to homeless animals.

 

Chick-Fil-A Patrick Henry Mall Food Court is hosting a pet food drive through October for the Peninsula SPCA.  Donate a bag of Purina or Pedigree pet food and get a coupon for a free chicken sandwich.  Newspaper and shoe boxes are being collected as well.  Shop til’ you drop in the mall then swing by Chick-Fil-A to donate to the Peninsula SPCA!

Pet food drive ends on Howl-O-Ween, Oct 31!

Call Leslie Magner, Community Outreach Coordinator, 595-1399 ext 104 or email leslie@peninsulaspca.org for more information.

Filed Under: Give, Partners Tagged With: , ,
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