August 24, 2016

Contact:
Sharon Fletcher, Director of Marketing & Communications
925.310.5458
fletcher@maddiesfund.org

Pleasanton, CA, August 24, 2016 - Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation based in Pleasanton, CA, has awarded Fix Our Ferals a $50,000 matching grant to support the reopening and sustainability of their spay-neuter center to serve Alameda and Contra Costa County community cats, shelter cats and those of low-income families. Maddie's Fund will match every donation up to $50,000 through October 15.


The East Bay community has depended on Fix Our Ferals since its inception in 1998. Its mission is to humanely reduce the cat population in the East Bay and educate the public about trap-neuter-return (TNR). The Fix Our Ferals Spay-Neuter Center has served nearly 20,000 cats since its opening in July 2012. However, in April 2016, they temporarily suspended operations due to lack of funds.


"Our closure has made for a very difficult kitten season in the East Bay, but thanks to Maddie matching the support of our generous community, we will be able to continue providing these crucial services," said founder Linda McCormick. "We hope our community will donate during this challenge period, as every dollar they donate will be matched." Fix our Ferals has a goal to raise the last $100K of the $250K they need to reopen the Center. McCormick continued, "The sooner we can meet this $50K goal, the sooner we can reopen and deliver these vital services to our community. So much of the community depends on us, and right now we're depending on them."


Mary Ippoliti-Smith, Maddie's Fund Executive Leadership Team, said, "Fix Our Ferals Spay-Neuter Center plays an important role in lifesaving. We are excited for the reopening and encourage the community to share in this opportunity to help our community's cats by donating. Contributions will be doubled, after all!"


About Maddie's Fund

Maddie's Fund® is a family foundation established in 1994 by Dave and Cheryl Duffield and is the fulfillment of a promise to their inspirational dog, Maddie. She provided them much joy from 1987 – 1997 and continues to inspire them today.

The Foundation has awarded over $265 million in grants toward increased community lifesaving, pioneering shelter medicine education and establishing foster care as a standard across the U.S.

Maddie's Fund proudly offers the industry a national voice, important funding opportunities for bold ideas, learning resources and access to collaborate and share innovative solutions. The Foundation invests its resources in a commitment to keeping pets and people together, creating a safety net of care for animals in need and operating within a culture of inclusiveness and humility. #ThanksToMaddie.