Category: Personnel

The 2020 Furry 5K is fast approaching on August 16, and our Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation Board and volunteers have been hard at work making sure this year’s first-ever virtual event is a success. Learn more about what this annual FUNdraiser means to them and how YOU can help raise funds for Seattle Animal Shelter animals.

How have you participated in Furry 5K in years past, and what does the event mean to you?

I’ve fostered over a dozen cats in the past 4 years. Fundraising events like the Furry 5K afford my foster cats to get the medical care they needed. Thanks to Furry 5K participants, I know pets in need of help will keep getting the care they need until they find their forever homes.
— Katy Thweatt, Marketing Co-Chair

Running in the Furry 5K has been a family tradition for 5 years! I am excited to participate in a whole new way this year, walking with my 10-year-old lab and newly adopted 10-year-old dachshund mix on the Burke-Gilman Trail. Go #Furry5K!
— Emily Rondestvedt, Auction Co-Chair

I was fairly new to Seattle when a friend invited me to the Furry 5K a few years ago. It was my first introduction to all of the really important work that the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) does in the area… Little did I know that SAS and the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation were about to be a huge part of my life over the following years! I loved the idea of being part of an animal-loving community, and started volunteering for the foundation shortly after. I’m now on my second year of the Board.
— Krystle Gomez, Governance Co-Chair

This is my first Furry 5K! With us moving virtual, it’s been an opportunity to think about ways we can get those who are not runners — and even not in Seattle — supporting this important fundraising initiative.
— Sarah Yacoub, Marketing Co-Chair

After learning about SAS and the foundation, I became a volunteer for the Furry 5K in June 2017. Fast forward to October… I saw a volunteer board member position was open for the foundation. I applied, interviewed and now I’m in my third year of my 3-year term as a Board member. It means a lot each year to see people from all walks of life coming out to support animals by walking, running or even riding (strollers, wheel chairs) to the finish line. Everyone having a good time while supporting a cause they believe in is just really awesome to witness.
—Tiffany Daily, Secretary & Governance Co-Chair

I’ve participated in the Furry 5K since 2017, after I first became involved with SAS through a capstone project in grad school. The event is a fun day where you get to be surrounded by hundreds of dogs and their owners who are supporting the shelter through their participation. It’s always wonderful to see the sheer number of people who sign up, because I know we’re all coming together to help save Seattle’s animals.
— Cassie Ballering, Development Committee

I have participated in seven Furry 5K runs: twice as a runner/walker, and five times as an SASF Board member — which means volunteering before, during and after the Furry 5K.
— Sue Boivin, Board President

This is my first year! I’m excited to participate.
— Sarah Coppock, Auction Co-Chair

I’ve volunteered for the last three years — every year since I moved to Seattle. I’ve never been involved in an event that brings such joy to participants, runners and walkers, as well as the incredible causes that the Furry 5K supports. When I first saw the runners, walkers, dogs and cats (!) all having such a great time, I was hooked!
— Richard Todd, Development Committee

Now that the Furry 5K is going virtual this year, how do you plan to participate? Will your pet(s) be joining you?

I’m going to be walking the 5K with a foster dog from Seattle Animal Shelter! My cat is getting to an advanced age and HATES her harness, so I might chase her in circles at home for 5K… or I might just give her treats. I’m also running a fundraising team at my work.
— Richard

I will take a long hike with my pups and make sure that I have my mask on and practice social distancing. We are thinking of a lake hike so that we can pack a lunch and the dogs can get to cool off. My cat might not be in the mood for a hike, but the dogs will be so happy!
— Sue

I’m finding a neighborhood I don’t regularly walk in and exploring some new sites! I’ve tried putting Mimi, my current foster cat, in a cat leash. It hasn’t gone well so far so she’ll most likely be cheering me on from home.
— Katy

I’m planning on running 5k or more with my dog Daphne (we’ve been training!) and raising money for SASF through my personal fundraising page. I told my friends and family I would running an extra 1k for every $20 donated above $100.
— Sarah C-P.

I will be social distance running with a friend and her dog in our neighborhood during the week of the event.
— Cassie

Steve, my rescue mix and I will walk, probably slowly for 5K; Steve is nine so he’s not much of a runner. I’ll be lucky to get him off the couch for the walk!
— Sarah Y.

Ginger (my adopted pup) and I will enjoy a leisurely 5K around Green Lake! She likes to stop and smell all the spots and we may stop for a puppuccino from Starbucks en route. Ginger may be tiny, but she loves her walks!
— Krystle

Ginger (my adopted pup) and I will enjoy a leisurely 5K around Green Lake! She likes to stop and smell all the spots and we may stop for a puppuccino from Starbucks en route. Ginger may be tiny, but she loves her walks!
— Krystle

What tips do you have for reaching out to networks, friends and family for team fundraising?

Every dollar helps, so when I reach out to friends and family, I let them know that any amount is appreciated. I’ve found most people are happy to give for a great cause!
— Krystle

Share your support for the Furry 5K on social media — and like, comment on and share what SASF is posting on their pages. The more awareness we can bring to the event, the more money we can raise to help dogs, cats and critters.
— Sarah Y.

Provide them with a personal story of why you support SAS/SASF and why it would mean so much for them to contribute funds to your team.
— Cassie

I share how the Seattle Animal Shelter has helped my pets personally. One of my foster cats, Barley, needed two radioactive iodine treatments for hyperthyroidism. He was able to get the care he needed without the shelter having to consider cost.
— Katy

Don’t be shy. Know that every dollar raised helps save homeless and abandoned animals in Seattle. There are so many that need our support right now. Let them know that you are part of a community of passionate folks that want to make a difference in the lives of Seattle homeless animals. Together we can give deserving animals a second chance at happiness, love and finding their forever home! Everyone is welcome, and we want everyone to be a part of this life changing work.
— Sue

I like to email family and friends individually, and personalize my outreach to each person based on my relationship with them.
— Sarah C-P.

Reach out! Ask! Show them the work of the Foundation and the shelter. It’s a great event — people will thank you for getting them involved.
— Richard

Why is supporting the Furry 5K so important for SASF?

The Furry 5K is one of our two big fundraisers each year. With all that’s gone on in 2020, we expect the shelter to support more pets and pet owners than ever in upcoming months. With money raised from this event, we ensure that cats, dogs and critters have a safe space to heal and await their forever families.
— Katy

Supporting Furry 5K is important because it’s a great opportunity to raise crucial funds for dogs, cats and critters in our community. It’s also an opportunity for more people to learn about SASF and the amazing work the organization does.
— Sarah C-P.

Furry 5K is really all about bringing the community together to help animals in need. This year, I think we can all use a little positivity and (socially distanced) togetherness… and exercise! That’s a win, win, win — all in support of animals who really need our help.
— Krystle

With so much uncertainty and challenges in today’s current environment, this is one way we can demonstrate what remains important to many of us. Non-profit organizations face completely new challenges in 2020, so supporting events like Furry 5K help ensure continuity of service to Seattle’s animals.
— Sarah Y.

This event is important for raising funds to save the lives of animals in Seattle, and also a great way to show your community support. The Furry 5k is an annual event and it not only allows us to share stories about ways that SASF has helped animals in the community, but showcases our sponsors and gives them the opportunity to promote their local businesses.
— Cassie

It raises vital funds for animals in our community who need help. It brings Seattle animal lovers together (virtually or otherwise). It’s an excuse to get outside in the summer and work off that ice cream!
— Richard

Furry 5K is such a beloved community event for such a noble cause. It is one of three major fundraising events that SASF puts on every year to ensure that the Seattle Animal Shelter has enough funds to continue to do their good work — which is to save as many lives as possible. This event ensures every animal that enters SAS is treated as an individual and has everything it needs for a chance at lasting happiness — including medical care, training, a soft place to land, protection from abusive and cruel situations, and of course love, understanding and patience.
— Sue

There’s still time to join other animal lovers in the Seattle area to raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation. Register your team today for this year’s virtual Furry 5K on August 16.

The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) is currently recruiting new volunteer Board Members and non-Board Member committee volunteers. We are particularly interested in applicants with expertise in the following areas:

• Auction and Events, including planning and executing auctions and other large- scale fundraising events, managing and participating in procurement activities, and partnering with local businesses to co-host smaller events or support other fundraising activities.
• Development and Fundraising, including individual fundraising efforts such as direct mail and major gift solicitations, creating and implementing strategies for donor acquisition, and knowledge of fundraising cultivation and stewardship practices.
• Governance, providing operational, administrative and legal support to the board as well as leading recruiting and grants processes. We are also seeking a Secretary for the 2019 SASF Board that would also serve in the Governance Committee. The ideal candidate has strong human resource, legal, industrial organization, nonprofit and/or “small company” operational skills and is passionate about helping Seattle’s animals.
• Recruiting Specialist, who will will be an integral part of our 15-person board and supporting our Vice President. Among duties are: own and present SASF’s annual hiring plan to the Board; recruit volunteers, committee members and board members for SASF; The ideal candidate has 2+ years experience in Recruiting. Experience recruiting unpaid volunteers is preferred but not required.

See Job Descriptions and Application Instructions

About the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation

SASF is a 501(c)(3) organization and our purpose is to enrich and enhance the lives of animals cared for by the Seattle Animal Shelter. Our priority is to raise additional funds to help support the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) in its mission to foster caring relationships between people and animals.SASF provides funding to support the many services and programs of SAS. Some examples include:

• Dog kennel renovations which allow for a calmer, healthier space for both animals and adopters.
• A complete renovation of SAS’s cat and critter areas (completed December 2015), which allows for more flexible space for the cats and critters.
• Construction of a new SAS Meet and Greet Room allowing animals to meet potential adopters in a quiet indoor space.
• A veterinarian clinic room to allow for onsite veterinary assessments and treatments.
• Quality-of-life improvements for all SAS animals including a cutting edge behavioral program to train SAS staff and volunteers to assess and train SAS shelter animals that would previously have been deemed unadoptable.
• Adoption underwriting to help animals find their forever homes faster.
• Training and supplies for foster homes and in-shelter volunteers.
• Spay and neuter assistance for pets in low income families.Through innovative community events, outreach programs, and volunteer opportunities, we help SAS fund creative solutions for immediate needs, pioneer new programs, and build on what the City already provides. We are helping to place the nation’s most pet-friendly city on the leading edge of humane animal advocacy. We hope you will join us!

Board Member Specifics

Responsibilities of Board Members:

• Attend all Board meetings (1 per month), and the annual Board meeting and occasional teleconferences
• Chair one Board committee or serve as a key contributing member on two committees.
• Maintain knowledge of the organization and personal commitment to its goals and objectives.
• Attend and support SASF’s major fundraising auction and events.
• Current weekly time commitment is approximately 5-10 hours
• Contribute $1000 to SASF in funds or in-kind donations (solicited auction donations count towards $1000)

Benefits of Board Membership:

• Contribute to a cause you care about in a high-impact way. Serving on the Board of an organization gives you the ability to significantly impact the lives of Seattle’s animals.
• Gain important skills. Board Members are expected to actively participate in strategic planning, financial management, and fundraising. Bring your existing expertise and gain new knowledge through your Board experience.
• Expand your network. Your fellow Board Members, the staff of our organization, and its funders, donors, and clients will considerably expand your personal and professional network.Board Members serve three-year terms. Board Members may serve two consecutive terms and return to the Board after a one-year absence.The SASF is an all volunteer-run organization, and this is a volunteer opportunity. Board Members will not receive monetary compensation for their board duties other than reimbursement for Board-related expenses.

Volunteer Committee Member Specifics

Responsibilities of volunteers

• Contribute time to assist with committee-specific projects and needs. Time commitment for volunteer committee members varies depending on projects, but is generally less than board members.
• Attend volunteer orientation and complete volunteer onboarding forms.

Benefits of Volunteer Committee Membership

• Join a community of passionate animal advocates to help SAS shelter pets with less time commitment then full SASF Board Member.
• Learn more about SASF board membership and explore future board member roles.

Applying to the Board and to be a volunteer Committee Member

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Board Member or a volunteer Committee Member, please submit a letter of interest and resume to [email protected] by January 7, 2019 for a January 9, 2019 interview and by January 20, 2019 for a February 13, 2019 interview.

We would also like to invite you to an open SASF Board meeting on January 9, 2019. If you are interested in attending this meeting, please email [email protected]. The meeting will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at WeWork in South Lake Union. We will interview potential new candidates after the open Board meeting on January 9, 2019 at WeWork in South Lake Union.

We also expect to interview potential new candidates on February 13, 2019 at WeWork in South Lake Union. We may be able to accommodate limited interviews at alternate times if January 9, 2019 or February 13, 2019 are not possible.