‘A Night to Paws’ — Anderson Animal Shelter Names 2015 Community Award Winners
‘A Night to Paws’ silent auction. CREDIT: Anderson Animal Shelter
Anderson Animal Shelter has announced its 2015 recipients of its annual Community Awards. Winners will be presented with their award at the Shelter’s 30th Annual Gala Dinner & Auction, “A Night to Paws,” on Saturday, Nov. 14, at The Q Center in St. Charles.
2015 Winners
- Community Partner Award — Signs by Tomorrow and BLUE Buffalo
- Corporate Partner Award — Automatic Data Processing (ADP)
- Friend of the Animals Award — Randy Sandman and Jay Belich
- Community Champion Award — Elgin Community College’s Workforce Transitions Program and South Town Animal Hospital
- Founders Award — Nancy Miles
“It’s extremely important to us that we recognize those who give tremendous amounts of support to our shelter,” said Beth Drake, executive director. “There are countless numbers of individuals and organizations that give their time, talents and expertise. Our annual Community Awards is just one of the ways that we can honor those who have assisted us, as well as the animals we care for.”
Signs by Tomorrow and BLUE Buffalo received the Community Partner Award for going through great lengths to support the shelter and homeless animals. From creating extravagant banners for fundraising events to quickly turning around signs for adoption events, Signs by Tomorrow has assisted significantly with many of the shelter’s printing needs. BLUE Buffalo is being honored for its continuous assistance with supplying the shelter with food and various other vital items that are needed on a daily basis.
“BLUE Buffalo is humbled to be part of such an inspirational organization, like Anderson Animal Shelter,” said Rose Diaz, account manager for BLUE Buffalo. “Our partnership would not have been made possible had it not been for the late Steven Dulak. Steven had an enormous heart that was filled with love for animals. As an employee of Petco for over 10 years, Steven consistently donated his passion for animals to Anderson Animal Shelter, and in the process initiated the partnership between BLUE Buffalo and the Shelter. We are honored and privileged to have been selected for the award.”
Automatic Data Processing received the 2015 Corporate Partner Award. This established organization, has been a prominent member of Anderson’s Corporate Giving Program for many years. ADP encourages employees to volunteer with the Shelter, in which many have spent significant amounts of their time assisting with the shelter’s day-to-day operations. It is because of this dedication to volunteering with the shelter, as well as their contributions via the Matching Gift Program, that they are being honored with this award.
The Friends of the Animals award has been awarded to both Randy Sandman and Jay Belich. Jay has been volunteering his services to Anderson Animal Shelter since he was a child. Years later, Jay is still making extreme efforts to support the shelter in a variety of ways, and has volunteered more than 2,200 hours since 2011. Randy has also proven to be a vital team member, as he has assisted with a variety of special projects, both on and offsite for the shelter. From assisting with building maintenance, to creating day-to-day shelter necessities and tools, Randy has made monumental differences throughout his three years of volunteering with Anderson Animal Shelter.
“Since retiring, I’m really happy to be volunteering with Anderson, and really enjoy the variety of things that I do for the shelter-from dog walking, painting, and building projects,” Sandman said. “There’s really something for everybody to do here.”
The Community Champion Award was awarded to Elgin Community College and South Town Animal Hospital. Elgin Community College is one of the area’s top educational institutions. Through its Workforce Transitions Program, Elgin Community College places students in organizations, while paying their hourly wage. Anderson Animal Shelter has now worked with five students, all whom have made great contributions to numerous Shelter departments.
South Town Animal Hospital has acted as one of the shelter’s leading veterinary partners. South Town Animal Hospital assists with certain medical procedures and promotes the shelter to its clientele. Through its medical support, as well as support in a variety of Anderson Animal Shelter events, South Town is being recognized for its dedication to the shelter and its mission.
This year’s Founder’s Award was given to Nancy Miles. This prestigious award was awarded to Nancy, to recognize and thank her for her countless contributions to the shelter, specifically concerning her impressive record with fostering Anderson Animal Shelter’s kittens and cats.“Anderson Animal Shelter has been a friend to me for so many years, and is a part of my life,” said Miles, who has been involved with Anderson for 16 years. “It takes a team to make this all come together for the benefit of the animals! The staff at Anderson Animal Shelter puts this whole thing in motion, and I am blessed to have their support.”
For more information on A Night to Paws, visit www.andersonanimalshelter.org. The Shelter’s 30th annual Gala Dinner & Auction is sponsored in part by the petco Foundation with entertainment provided by Vargo’s Dance Studio and Conquest Entertainment.
About Anderson Animal Shelter
Anderson Animal Shelter collaborates with public and private organizations and individuals to shelter, care for and promote the adoption of homeless, stray and unwanted companion animals. The shelter is a 501c3 charitable organization and does not receive any federal or state funding. The shelter advocates for the compassionate and humane treatment of these animals through direct care, humane education and community outreach programs. For more information on Anderson Animal Shelter, including adoption, volunteering, donation drives and membership opportunities, please visit www.andersonanimalshelter.org, email info@andersonanimalshelter.org or call 847-697-2880. The shelter is located at 1000 South La Fox Road, South Elgin, IL 60177.
