Tuesday, April 16th, 2019
Contact:
Sharon Fletcher, Director of Marketing & Communications
925.310.5458
fletcher@maddiesfund.org
Pleasanton, Calif., April 16, 2019 - To honor Alabama resident and indisputable champion of shelter pets for over 40 years, April 16th has been proclaimed Lynne Fridley Day by the City of Montevallo, Alabama. Lynne is officially retiring from her work in the animal welfare industry this year. Alabama's elected officials along with animal welfare colleagues have acknowledged her phenomenal work.
For over 16 years Lynne served as Co-Director of Education to Maddie's Fund®, a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status and well-being of companion animals. Prior to working at Maddie's Fund, Lynne was shelter manager at the Shelby County Humane Society in Columbiana and Executive Director at Chilton County Humane Society in Clanton.
"Your hard work and excellent discipline have not gone unnoticed and I know Maddie's Fund will continue to reach an even higher level of excellence because of your contributions," said Doug Jones, United States Senator from Alabama, in a letter to Lynne.
Kay Ivey, the Governor of Alabama issued a Commendation in honor of Lynne, for playing an instrumental role in establishing Spay Alabama, a statewide program with a goal to end the euthanasia of healthy and treatable dogs and cats.
Randall L. Woodfin, Mayor of the City of Birmingham issued a proclamation to honor Lynne's work. In his proclamation, Woodfin encouraged "the citizens of Birmingham to rise to the occasion and salute the diligence and dedication of this upstanding citizen."
"As a former shelter manager in Alabama, Lynne's experience helped build Maddie's Fund into the trusted, lifesaving leader it is today," Amy Zeifang, Maddie's Fund Board Chair. "She has been an invaluable voice for animals, and her upbeat and infectious laugh will be missed on a day-to-day basis."
"Lynne's not concerned about the glass being half full or half empty," said Mary Ippoliti-Smith, member of Maddie's Fund Executive Leadership Team. "She's just thrilled that there's a glass and something's in it - that's what makes Lynne such a dynamic force. She has an attraction that energizes people and brings them together in ways they couldn't imagine. And for that, we are so grateful to have had her as part of the Maddie's Team."
"For the last 16 years, Lynne has brought her courageous, positive and adventurous spirit to Maddie's Fund" said Dr. Laurie Peek, member of the Executive Leadership Team. "We wish her all the happiness as she and her husband enjoy their retirement traveling the world."
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 $275.7 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.