Announcing our New Board of Directors Members!

Recently, we announced that the Fur Kids Foundation Board of Directors was looking to add two new members, and in turn we added four amazing pack members! 

Mary Ellen Young has been a volunteer for many years - not sure if she regrets being my work neighbor and getting wrangled into this crazy life, but she's hit the ground running. She took over the Ladies Night Out events, now called the Holiday and Spring Bazaars, and has transformed them and grew them in a way we never imagined could happen. We're so happy to have her leadership skills, go-to attitude and craziness as a part of our pack.

Tara Beard was a board member and also on the Applications Committee in the early years of the Foundation, but had to step down a few years ago due to work changes. We're super excited to announce that SHE'S BAAAAAAACK! But, just as a board member this time. Tara kept volunteering at events and has been a long-time supporter of the Foundation. 

Marci Zimmerman Kelhi and Trey Mcconnell have also joined our team! Both have been long-time supporters of the organization, donating their time and items to events, sharing our events, and all around being awesome. Here's your Board line-up: 

• Mary Melaragno - President 
• Cody Friedlan - Treasurer 
• Robynn Nehl - Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator
• Felicia Messimer - Marketing Director
• Karri Richardson - Director and Co-Marketing Director
• Mary Ellen Young - Director and Events Coordinator
• Tara Beard - Director
• Marci Kelhi - Director
• Trey McConnel - Director 

Fur Kids Foundation is still looking for a Case Manager for the Applications Committee.
The current Case Managers are Mary Melaragno and Linda Tufvesson. This dynamic duo alternates months to take calls and work with the applicants. While the application says we'll get in touch with people within 24 hours, we really try to get in touch with them within a few hours, and if we can't we'll ask the other person to reach out and work the case. Case mangers call the vet clinics, make sure the applicant is in good standing with them, discuss the situation, and get an estimate. If they haven't already talked to the applicant, case managers then give them a call, visit with what is going on with them, get a feel for their situation, etc. The time commitment can be anywhere from five (5) hours a month, to 40 hours a month. Some days we get five applications, and sometimes we only get five applications for the month. We try to work together so we can take vacations, have weekends away, so the other person can take the calls. This is the Foundation's most confidential committee, and a lot of pride is involved with not sharing information on the applicants, who they are, their situations, etc.

If you are interested in being on the Applications Committee, we encourage you to complete a Board and Volunteer Application and contact us.