— AKC Humane Fund Founding Members Wall of Honor Unveiled at AKC Open House —
Next month visitors to the American Kennel Club’s Open House will be among the first to see the AKC Humane Fund “Founding Members Wall of Honor.” The Wall occupies a prominent place in the executive offices of AKC’s Corporate Headquarters in New York City situated between the offices of the Chairman of the Board and the Executive Secretary among AKC’s collection of fine canine art.
So far, names of more than 115 individuals, 25 AKC clubs, and 20 corporations and organizations will appear on the Wall. Their generous gifts of $1,000 or more have earned them a place in history as founding members. Open House attendees can see the names of those who demonstrated a leadership role in establishing the Fund between the hours of 12 noon and 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 8.
The AKC Humane Fund’s mission is to unite a broad spectrum of animal lovers in promoting the joy and value of responsible dog ownership through education, outreach and grant-making. Fund programs planned for the future include helping support our parent clubs’ rescue activities; administering a Hall of Fame for the sport of purebred dogs; assisting human services organizations that permit domestic abuse victims to enter and stay in shelters with their pets; providing resources to programs that educate adults and children about responsible dog ownership; and contributing to organizations that support the fund’s mission including the AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Museum of the Dog, and AKC Companion Animal Recovery.
There is still time to have a plaque included on the wall to honor your own participation in the sport or as a way to pay tribute to a relative, friend, club or dog. The AKC Humane Fund, Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization and contributions are tax deductable as allowed by law. For more information about plaques or to donate please contact Daphna Straus at 212-696-8243 or donate online at www.akchumanefund.org.
Just prior to the Wall of Honor unveiling, the annual “Barkfest at Bonhams” charity brunch on Sunday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. will once again benefit the AKC Humane Fund. At this annual event, dog lovers and art aficionados can preview auction items including dog paintings, sculptures, porcelains, antique collars and more. For admission to this event at Bonhams, 580 Madison Ave., between East 56th and 57th streets, please call the AKC reservation line at 212-696-8277. Admission is a $50 donation to the AKC Humane Fund per person in advance or $60 at the door.
Make your support of the AKC Humane Fund a New Year’s Resolution that benefits not only you but everyone who enjoys and celebrates the unconditional love of the canine-human bond.
Sincerely,
Ron Menaker
Chairman
January Chairman’s Report