April 24, 2018

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

Pleasanton, CA, April 24, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals, has surprised 10 animal welfare leaders with Maddie Hero Awards for their incredible efforts in furthering the no-kill nation mission through community lifesaving and big picture thinking.

The prestigious Maddie Hero Award, which comes with a $10,000 grant for their respective organizations, recognizes and honors the "top dogs" in communities that are not only advancing the welfare of companion animals in the United States, but are leading the way with their innovative ideas, progressive thinking and lifesaving actions.

A substantial amount of progress made in the no-kill movement over the past 12 months and this year's recipients are incredible additions to the 24 awarded since the Maddie Hero Award's inception in 2016.

Maddie's Fund invites you to join them in congratulating the 2018 Maddie Heroes and their teams:

  • Alan Borgal, Animal Rescue League of Boston, MA
  • Jon Cicirelli, San Jose Animal Care and Services, CA
  • Ryan Clinton, Attorney, Austin, TX
  • Denise Deisler, Jacksonville Humane Society, FL
  • Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Brevard County Sheriff's Office South Animal Care Center, FL
  • Teresa Johnson, Kansas City Pet Project, MO
  • Aimee Sadler, Dogs Playing for Life, CO
  • Risa Weinstock, Animal Care Centers of New York City, NY
  • Lori Weise, Downtown Dog Rescue, CA
  • Makena Yarborough, Lynchburg Humane Society, VA

"The significance of this announcement date is profound," said Amy Zeifang, Executive Leadership Team, Maddie's Fund. "We celebrate these leaders during the same week we celebrate Maddie's birthday, which she shares with all homeless pets. Like our namesake, we are inspired by the lifesaving efforts of people across the country, and we couldn't be more proud."

For more about Maddie's birthday celebration and how to get involved, visit the Maddie's Fund website.

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.