This week, Trish met with Amy Geier, the Outreach and Development Coordinator for Concern for Animals in their office located at 1414 State Avenue NE, Olympia, WA 98506.
Amy is one of the four volunteers I met to discuss what Concern for Animals is all about. I thought I had a pretty good idea what services they offered to help low-income people be able to better care for their pets, but they do so much more than I could imagine. Their mission is to assist those struggling financially with pets in need of food, medical care, spay/neuter procedures, and to promote the welfare of all animals.
I met Diane who has been with Concern for Animals for six years and is a Phone Bank volunteer and Voucher Coordinator. Eva is a part-time volunteer and is a Client Support Coordinator. I also met Gina, who has been with Concern for Animals for 7+ years. She is the Operations & Programs Manager and in charge of Volunteer Programs.
I am not surprised any more by the compassion, dedication and desire that everyone must have to do the work all these non-profit animal charities provide. They are a special breed of people that work tirelessly to do everything in their power to help animals and their people. Their love for animals is unmatched, but above all, their passion is undeniable. We have found that to be true with every single charity organization that Thom and I have been involved with and/or interviewed.
Before I talk about the beginnings of Concern for Animals, I want to mention their largest Fundraiser of the year.
THE 18TH ANNUAL TOAST FOR TAILS has an ambitious goal this year to raise $100,000. The last day to buy tickets to attend the event on October 19th at the South Puget Sound Community College Lacey Campus has been extended until Friday, October 11th.
Tickets are $125 per person or $900 for a table of 8. You can also join online during the virtual silent auction from October 14th-20th, and/or in person on October 19th for a fun-filled evening that will include dinner catered by Jean-Pierres's Three 16, wine from Endless Sound Cellars, a silent auction, and a live auction! Both options will be filled with fabulous items to bid on and special offers from local businesses that want to support animals in need.
The virtual silent auction is free to participate in and open to anyone who would like to help support CFA. CFA’s medical and voucher programs have helped over 1,100 animals so far in 2024. That doesn’t even count the CFA Pet Food Bank that helps hundreds of local animals each year! To continue operations at the same level, they need to raise a minimum of $100,000 to cover operational costs in 2025. Right now, they are at $18,194 raised through ticket sales and sponsorships but have a long way to go to meet their minimum.
While we are on the subject of fundraisers, I also want to let everyone know that the 2nd biggest fundraiser CFA puts on is the Spring Plant and Gift Sale on the Saturday before Mother’s Day every year. I have been to this one and besides helping to support animals and their people, it is a lot of fun with very cool plants, gifts and more.
Now, getting back to Concern for Animals. The mission that drove Ann Albohn and Joyce Pearce to found Concern for Animals in 1980 is the same mission that drives their efforts today. It is a non-profit charitable organization, 501(c)(3). There are three paid employees, the rest are volunteers. They rely on donations, grants, estate bequests, and many fundraising projects to support the programs that help animals in Thurston, Mason, Lewis and in the last year, Grays Harbor Counties. It started with the vision to help those who struggle to care for their pets. Concern for Animals has helped thousands of animals in need by providing a variety of veterinary services over the last 44 years.
In 2013, they moved into their current location at 1414 State Avenue NE, Olympia, WA 98506. Access is off of Central Street NE. Their office hours are Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Phone (360)456-8176. Click here for email, and here for website.
All of CFA’s programs are only operational thanks to a network of over 35 local veterinary clinics and groomers that are listed on their website.
(NOT A COMPLETE LIST)
Call (360)456-8176 or email for qualifications and details
Vouchers – veterinary cost assistance, medical needs, spay/neuter, rabies shots.
Senior vouchers - veterinary cost assistance, medical needs, spay/neuter, rabies shots, boarding, grooming, medications and food.
Spay & Neuter Cost Assistance - $100 for cats, $150 for dogs.
Pet Food Bank (State St. location) call for details, qualification and days of operation. They provide wet and dry food, toys, treats, collars, leashes, and they also have tables laid out with larger items such as blankets, crates, beds, (things that sometimes people don’t know are available). The Pet Food Bank is very well organized.
Small Animal Programs - specific fund for smaller critters – vouchers for small mammals, standard reptiles (bearded dragons, gecko's) and birds.
Partners With SafePlace and Turning Point - help in domestic situations for pets and their people.
CFA is often the first point of contact for resources of every kind. They can direct you to the right charity, resource or assistance if they are not equipped to provide a service. I think this is one of the most important services they provide next to the partnership they have with the Veterinarian community.
CFA is very involved with the community and several charities. Many groups and individuals help with food drives, bake sales, even younger kids donating money from their lemonade stands or making toys. Grants help with financial aid; operations are funded by donors. 90 cents of every dollar goes to operational support.
One thing Amy said is they have instant gratification in both short -term and long-term effects. She said something that resonates with her is someone told her once that just because she is low-income doesn’t mean she loves her pet any less.
One important thing I took away from our interview is how they share their food and resources. Their whole goal is to help the community. They don’t hoard and aren’t gatekeepers, they help anyone in need of resources. They often reach out to charities to give special diet food etc. or anything else needed if they have an abundance of particular items.
The sidewalk with bricks engraved with names is pretty awesome.
Donors feel good knowing their donations are being used to the fullest benefit. It is truly a community partnership.
In closing, Concern for Animals is always looking for donations of any kind and if you would like to get involved with this great organization, they would love to have your help. As Amy says, “the work is so gratifying, and the rewards are priceless.” I asked her if there was something they would like our readers to think about. She talked with her co-workers, Gina and Eva and agreed that in addition to spaying and neutering, keeping up with their annual wellness checks and taking preventative action for common issues like fleas and worms is very important.
Don’t forget the Toast for Tails Fundraiser starting October 14th - 19th
Paws for Thought: If you have a pet, love them and protect them because they will always be your best friend.
Thom Donitz and Trish Lynn are neighbors and close friends who share their love of animals and wildlife. Trish and Thom are residents of Tumwater. Contact them at pets@theJOLTnews.com.
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