Maddie’s Matchmaker Adoptathon Aims to Find Homes for All Healthy and Treatable Dogs and Cats in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties June 12 & 13

May 28, 2010

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

Maddie's Fund®, in partnership with 43 animal sheltering organizations in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, will sponsor Maddie's® Matchmaker Adoptathon on June 12 and 13. Free adoption of dogs and cats will be offered to qualified homes throughout the weekend at each participating organization as well as many PETCO, PetSmart and Pet Food Express locations.

In an effort to help empty participating shelters, Maddie's Fund will give the groups $500 for each adoption performed over the two day event. The Foundation hopes to spend more than half a million dollars.

The adoption event is being held to honor the memory of the Foundation's namesake, a miniature schnauzer named Maddie; to increase awareness of shelter animals and their need for loving homes; and to shed light on the tireless efforts of the shelters and adoption guarantee organizations in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties that work so hard to save the lives of countless dogs and cats.

"It is our hope that by 2015 all healthy and treatable dogs and cats will be saved in the United States," said Dave Duffield, Maddie's Fund founder. "We believe that the American people will lead the charge. Maddie's Fund is investing in the fantastic work being done by animal shelters and adoption guarantee organizations to help achieve the goal. Events such as Maddie's® Matchmaker Adoptathon provide visibility for this very important cause."

"Maddie's® Matchmaker Adoptathon has brought together the largest collaboration of shelters and adoption guarantee organizations in Bay Area history," said Rich Avanzino, Maddie's Fund president. "I'd like to congratulate these groups for all the great work they do, and thank them for their strong partnership and support for this upcoming weekend event. We encourage everyone to join us in our efforts to save all healthy and treatable shelter pets by adopting a dog or cat in need of a loving home on June 12 or 13, or any day of the year."

"The upcoming Maddie's® Matchmaker Adoptathon is an exciting event for Contra Costa Animal Services. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the many fantastic animals that are awaiting loving homes in our shelters," said Glenn Howell, director, Animal Services Department, Contra Costa County. "The generosity of the Maddie's Fund organization is a very special gift to Contra Costa residents; human, feline and canine. Thanks to Maddie's Fund for making this event possible."

Please visit the Maddie's® Matchmaker Adoptathon website and Facebook Page to find out more about locations, participating shelters and general event information.


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.