Foundation Founders receive Recognition

April 10, 2015—Gillette, WY--Two of Fur Kids Foundation founders have recently been recognized for their amazing work in Campbell County, Wyoming: current President Mary Melaragno and Board Member Felicia Messimer. These two ladies are recipients of the Wyoming Business Report's “40 under 40”. This program recognizes 40 emerging young leaders across Wyoming under the age of 40 who make a difference in their companies’ industries and communities. Some 96 professionals were nominated and a committee made up of Wyoming business executives selected the 40 recipients who were profiled in the April edition of the Wyoming Business Report. 

In her WBR profile, Mary said, “A large amount of my time outside of work is dedicated to the organization (Fur Kids Foundation). Being able to help families in our community is humbling yet gratifying.”

In her WBR profile, Felicia said, “The (Fur Kids Foundation) volunteers and board work very hard to raise money through events to help people in our community. When we hear from people we have helped, and eventually meet them at an event we are hosting, I can honestly say that it’s the best feeling in the world.”
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Mary Melaragno is the executive administrator for Energy Capital Economic Development (formerly Campbell County Economic Development Corp.) in Gillette. She is a Rapid City, SD, native who moved to Gillette in 2009. Mary helped create and facilitate the community’s five-year strategic plan for 2010-2015, and is currently working on the 2015-2020 strategic plan. She facilitates the Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) program, Childcare Resource Center of North East Wyoming, as well as helps with business and industrial park projects and fiber optic studies. Mary is also involved with Gillette Main Street, and was an original member of the Rotaract Club of Gillette. 
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Felicia Messimer is a Marketing Specialist at Campbell County Health and serves as the organizations Public Information Officer on its social media channels. She was born and raised in Wheatland, Wyoming, graduated from the University of Wyoming in 2001 and moved to Gillette in 2009. A writer and promoter by trade, Felicia is the marketing arm of Fur Kids Foundation. She is also involved with the Campbell County Healthcare Foundation’s Festival of Trees Committee. In the past, she has served with the Campbell County Prevention Council, Campbell County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Keep Gillette Beautiful and the Wyoming Women’s Foundation. 
About Fur Kids Foundation
Created in November 2011, the Fur Kids Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides education and aid to promote the well-being of families with animals in Campbell County. Since September 2012, Fur Kids Foundation has helped more than 155 families and granted more than $24,300 in aid. For more information, visit www.furkidsfoundation.org. Find us on www.facebook.com/furkidsfoundation. Follow us on Twitter, @furkidswyo. Read our blog.