Welcome
Hello and welcome to our website. You will continue to see changes to the content in the coming months. We welcome you to continue to check our site for new updates about our organization and the cause we are supporting.
Recent News:
01/09/2012
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter Update #14
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City turns shelter keys over to FAAS
FAAS officially took responsibility for the shelter on January 1, capping a nine-month campaign to save the shelter when the City of Alameda proposed closing it for budgetary reasons last spring.
Also attending the event were City Manager John Russo and Police Chief Mike Noonan who were instrumental in arranging for FAAS to take over the shelter in a public-private partnership defined by a 15-year lease.
"We're fortunate that the shelter was so well managed by the Alameda Police Department," Mim said. "We're taking over a well-organized operation that has served the city well. We have a lot of ideas to make it even better."
Shelter expands operating hours
One of the first changes announced by the new FAAS management is extended operating hours. The shelter is now open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday to make it easier for people with weekday jobs to come to the shelter to get pet licenses and adopt pets. Our new mailing address is 1590 Fortmann Way, Alameda, CA 94501, and our new phone number is (510) 337-8565.
Volunteer Director named
Cindy Shelby has been hired as the Volunteer Manager for FAAS. She previously served as Volunteer Manager at the East Bay SPCA Oakland/Dublin and Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society where she also helped plan events to raise funds and awareness. Cindy donated her time to coordinate volunteers and plan events during our successful campaign to save the shelter last year.
"I am looking forward to working with current and new shelter volunteers," she says. "We are planning the volunteer program now and by February 1st we will be notifying everyone who is interested about the next steps toward becoming a FAAS volunteer. We appreciate everyone's patience during this transition."
Events calendar
January 14: The Jon Rubin Group plays blues, folk and Celtic with a pinch of classical and jazz at 7 p.m. at High Street Station, 1303 High St. at Encinal. The $10 admission to the concert benefits FAAS.
February 13: Mojito Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Angela's Bistro & Bar, 2301 Central Ave. All tips for celebrity bartender John Russo, Alameda's City Manager, go to FAAS.
12/31/2011
In less then 11 hours your local animal shelter will be "UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT"!
The shelter will open Tuesday at 11 am for normal business, currently the transition from APD is still underway.
12/22/2011
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter Update #13
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FAAS Hires Executive Director,
Office Manager to run the shelter
The FAAS board of directors has selected two people with extensive animal shelter experience for two critical posts at the Alameda Animal Shelter.
Mim Carlson, the former executive director of the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society, was selected as executive director. Tina Aedo, the shelter's current volunteer coordinator and rescue liaison, was hired to manage day-to-day operations as office manager.
"We're delighted that we have been able to hire people with so much animal shelter history," said FAAS Board President Nancy Evans-Bianchi. "Mim's experience in Berkeley and Tina's experience in Alameda provide us with a great combination of outside perspective and institutional memory, giving us the opportunity for both innovation and continuity."
Mim has spent the last 25 years in non-profit management, starting as the planning and development director for the San Francisco SPCA. During her five years at the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society, she managed 35 staff and 100 volunteers while stabilizing the organization and partnering with Berkeley Animal Services to ensure that every adoptable animal found a home. Most recently, she served as interim executive director at Florence Crittenton Services in San Francisco where she managed a successful merger of two non-profit organizations.
Tina has coordinated volunteer activities at the Alameda shelter since 2008, managing 50 volunteers, organizing fundraising activities and overseeing adoptions. She previously worked as a kennel attendant and later a customer care associate at the East Bay SPCA in Berkeley.
"There are many different ways to run a shelter, and we're very comfortable with the perspectives that these two leaders bring," said Interim Executive Director Tom Cushing. "They will provide a compassionate, conscious balance of our duties to each animal in our care, and to the community we serve. We're off to a very good start."
FAAS officially takes over responsibility for the shelter on January 1.
Events Calendar
January 2: Mojito Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, at Angela's Bistro & Bar, 2301 Central Ave. Celebrity bartender tips go to FAAS.
12/12/2011
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter Update #12
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Transition to FAAS management in full swing
By Tom Cushing, Interim Executive Director
With formal approval of our arrangement with the City of Alameda by the City Council on December 6, the last phase of our campaign to keep the Alameda Animal Shelter open has ended and the shelter is officially ours. The animals are entrusted to our care at 12:01 a.m. January 1, 2012. I've never been a big fan of celebrating the passage of time, but this year we can all lift a glass of congratulations to ourselves at midnight New Year's Eve for a highly successful endeavor on behalf of Alameda's animals.
We are well into the work that needs to be done to assume responsibility for shelter operations. We are fortunate to be inheriting a well-run shelter, but we still have a lot of work to do before we take over the reins:
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Staffing: We are actively recruiting for five full-time and three part-time positions, including an Executive Director. Current staff members have been invited to apply for positions with FAAS and we have heard from a large number of highly qualified applicants. We plan to have critical care positions in place on January 1 and be fully staffed soon thereafter.
- Operating policies and systems: We are continuing work begun last summer to update and fully document operating policies for the facility. We began with the shelter's policy guide and have sought further best practices from other well-run operations. We are striving toward a seamless transition and expect the FAAS operation to evolve over time from there. We are also developing financial and human resources capabilities to properly spend and account for our funds and guide FAAS employees.
- Relationships with vendors: Lots of supplies and services flow through the shelter.All our contracts for utilities, veterinary services, pet food and medications, cleaning supplies and more need to be transferred from the City of Alameda to FAAS. Some agreements need to be rewritten and purchase order relationships established.
- Relationship with the City: We'll have two part-time Animal Control offers on-site who will continue to report to the Alameda Police Department. We are developing the necessary agreements and protocols to work effectively with them as separate but cooperating entities.
That's a lot to be accomplished in the next few weeks, but we are confident that we will be up and running on New Year's Day thanks to the hard work of our Board of Directors, our volunteers and the shelter's current staff.
IRS makes giving to the shelter easier
If you're past retirement age and thinking about making a year-end donation to help us run the shelter, here's an idea: The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 allows individuals age 70½ to make direct transfers from their IRAs to 501 (c)(3) charities like FAAS totaling up to $100,000 per year without having to count the funds as income for federal income purposes. Please consult your financial advisor or accountant for guidance about donating to FAAS in this manner.
A word to our volunteers
Our successful campaign to save the shelter and raise enough money to run it for the first full year would not have been possible without the many wonderful volunteers who gave generously of their time to make the dream a reality. We wish we could thank you each individually, but there are simply too many of you to list. Your thanks will come in the form of the happy faces of the animals who find their forever homes after being our guests at the shelter.
We will be sending out an announcement about volunteer opportunities at the shelter as soon as we have completed reviewing the procedures and the volunteer job descriptions. Stay tuned.
Events Calendar
January 2: Mojito Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, at Angela's Bistro & Bar, 2301 Central Ave. Celebrity bartender tips go to FAAS.
12/10/2011
Council backs animal shelter agreement
The City Council has cleared the way for local volunteers to take over the Alameda Animal Shelter under an agreement that they have worked out with city officials.
The deal, which was initially announced in October, calls for the city to provide $300,000 annually to the Friends of Alameda Animal Shelter to run the facility on Fortmann Way, as well as for the city to continue employing two part-time animal control officers.
In turn, the group will pay the city $1 in rent and be responsible for general upkeep and janitorial services.
Currently, the shelter is run under the auspices of the Alameda police.
"I think this is an example of how the city and the community can work together in a productive fashion," City Councilman Rob Bonta said Tuesday, when the council approved an ordinance that will allow the agreement to take effect.
The Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter will take over operations Jan. 1, although its representatives are now helping with the transition to new management.
The lease will be in effect for 15 years and has provisions for possible extensions.
Among the services that will continue at the shelter will be animal licensing. After-hours drop-off boxes for strays or for animals that owners wish to surrender also will remain.
While the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter will be responsible for general maintenance, the city will be responsible for the shelter's roof, foundation
and electrical system under the agreement, which was also worked out with the Humane Society of Alameda.
"I am confident that this will be a model program for public-private partnership for the future," police Chief Mike Noonan said.
In June, city officials announced that they might close the shelter as a way to save money to offset a $7.5 million budget shortfall, especially since the police department needed to trim about $1.3 million from its budget, Noonan said.
The possible outsourcing or loss of the shelter prompted volunteers to begin talks with police and city officials about finding a way to save it.
12/02/2011
November 15, 2011
Dear Friends,
We did it!
With the strong backing of the Alameda community and supporters throughout the Bay Area, the Alameda Animal Shelter will stay open!
Under a groundbreaking public/private partnership, the shelter will now be managed by the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS), a nonprofit organization committed to providing the highest level of animal welfare that our community values and deserves.
Now the real work begins!
With a transition date of January 1, 2012, FAAS still needs to raise additional funds by year end to make sure every loving animal finds a forever home.
As you make your year-end charitable donations plans, please consider making a generous donation to FAAS. The animals in our care will benefit greatly from your generosity.
Donations can be either mailed or made with a credit card through the FAAS website (http://faas.bbnow.org).
On behalf of the volunteer Board of Directors of FAAS and more importantly, on behalf of our community's companion animals, thank you for your continued support throughout this transition process.
Together we are forging a new path for our beloved companion animals and our community!
Nancy Evans-Bianchi
Board President
Thomas F. Cushing, Esq.
Interim Executive Director
P.S. - Who needs another sweater this holiday season? Instead, consider giving a donation in honor of your "special" someone! For a donation of $25 or more, FAAS will send the individual a handwritten holiday card on your behalf. It will truly be the gift that keeps giving throughout the year!
11/08/2011
Successful gala raises enough funds to put us at two-thirds of our goal
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) Update #11
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"After the Ball," the gala held at Rock Wall Wine Co. on Oct. 27, was not only a great way to celebrate the contract with the city that saved the shelter, it was a smashingly successful fundraiser, netting over $42,000. With previous donations and pledges, we now have about two-thirds of the $300,000 we need to raise to run the shelter for the first year.
The financial success of the gala was due in great part to the generosity of our sponsors. Financial sponsors were Park Centre Animal Hospital, Alameda Pet Hospital, Alameda South Shore Center, the Alameda Beauty Center, the Bank of Alameda, U.S. Bank, Wind River, Alameda See Spot Run, Michael & Lee Anne Baker and Gail Soares-Artikaslan, E.A. In addition, Kent and Kathy Rosenblum covered the cost of Rock Wall Wine Company's gorgeous venue and provided wine. Rock Wall Wine Co. gave us a discount on the space and donated its wonderful wine. Bistro Zafari/Angela's Bistro & Bar created and served the scrumptious hors d'oeuvres at a generous discount and kept the food coming throughout the evening.
Other in-kind support came from Jiva Creative, Tonya Perme Photography, Alameda Printing Services, Dog Bone Alley, Pet Food Express, Urban Cellars, R&B Cellars, Aubin Cellars, Prospect 772 Wine Co., Coco Tutti Confections, Donsuemore Madeleines, Christina Balough-Nunes and Sam Bloch. Many other individuals and businesses provided an amazing array of items for our live and silent auction. We're also indebted to Fredericka von Stade and Natasha Miller for providing the scintillating entertainment and, as always, to our stalwart staff of dedicated volunteers.
Steering Committee chair named interim executive director
THE FAAS board has hired Tom Cushing as interim executive director to guide the shelter through its transition from the City of Alameda to the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter. Tom chaired the Steering Committee and helped in the negotiations with the city that led to a favorable contract. He'll work on a part-time basis over the next few months to manage the transition and run the shelter until a full-time ED is hired. Here is his first report:
With the announcement of FAAS' deal with the City of Alameda, the work of the Steering Committee has come to a resoundingly successful conclusion. It was a combined effort of FAAS and Humane Society of Alameda, benefitting from many heroic and timely efforts. We were blessed with a kind of magic: when we needed people with particular skills, they just showed up.
Each of the steering members has my deep and abiding gratitude. It was a pleasure to conduct such an orchestra that was highly and broadly skilled, deeply motivated and that blended so well together. We made some pretty good music and the prospect that our efforts will benefit the community and companion animals of Alameda for years to come nourishes the soul in a uniquely satisfying way. With that, to quote Sergeant Preston (not Pepper): "King, this case is closed." Our business concluded, the Steering Committee is hereby disbanded.
The FAAS Board has offered to let me continue to play a role in this terrific project under the title of IED ("interim executive director," I'm told, rather than that other acronym - we'll see), a labor of love I have enthusiastically accepted. Now that we've barely caught our collective breath, much is to be done before our January 1 transition date. Early work will focus on finalizing arrangements with the city, hiring staff and ensuring that organizational systems, procedures and necessities are in place. We will also continue to raise funds through the holiday season and beyond.
I look forward to further work together to effect the transition seamlessly and get us off to a strong start in 2012. It's a confidence-builder to know I can continue to count on the Alameda community for assistance, direction and support.
P.S. When you write a check, please make it out to Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) rather than the shelter itself so that your contribution goes directly to our effort.
10/26/2011 at 4:00pm
The "After The Ball Gala" is now SOLD OUT - Thank You Everyone for your Support. We will see you all Thursday night.
10/26/2011
The Shelter Is Saved!
City and Steering Committee Reach Agreement
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) Update #10
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An agreement announced Tuesday afternoon, October 25 between the City of Alameda and a steering committee representing the Friends of Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) and the Humane Society of Alameda (HSA) will keep the Alameda Animal Shelter open by allowing FAAS to run it as a non-profit. The city agreed to lease the shelter facility to FAAS for at $1 per year for 15 years and provide half the shelter's annual operating costs.
"I am gratified that the two organizations have stepped up to the challenge and are partnering with the city to preserve an important service in Alameda," said Alameda Mayor Marie Gilmore. Alameda City Manager John Russo said the agreement was "exactly the kind of public-private partnership model local government needs in the coming years."
"It's a classic win-win agreement," said Thomas Cushing, chair of the Steering Committee for FAAS and HSA. "The City of Alameda saves money and the citizens of Alameda keep their shelter in the community with all its services intact. It's also a win for Alameda's animals who will continue to receive the care and compassion they need and deserve."
"We appreciate the trust the city has placed in us by contracting with us to manage shelter operations in a public-private partnership," said FAAS President Nancy Bianchi. "We have big shoes to fill, since the shelter has been operated so effectively under the direction of the Alameda Police Department and the current staff. We're confident that we can maintain that level of operational excellence. This is great for the city, the citizens and the animals." HSA President Carmen Lasar added, "Our animals staying in Alameda has been our primary focus. They will continue to receive the best care possible."
The highlights of the agreement are;
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The City will pay FAAS $300,000 per year for shelter operations (plus a consumer price index escalator after the first year) every year for 15 years. At the end of 15 years, the lease can be extended for two periods of five years each subject to mutual approval.
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The City will continue to employ two part-time Animal Control Officers at $80,000 per year.
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FAAS will pay $1 in rent annually.
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The City will maintain responsibility for the shelter's roof, foundation, HVAC and electrical systems ; FAAS will be responsible for general maintenance and janitorial services.
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December will be a transition month and FAAS will take over the operations on January 1.
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FAAS will provide all of the general shelter services: licensing of companion animals, holding of strays and owner-surrendered animals, provision of after-hours drop-off boxes, etc.
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FAAS will keep licensing revenues for the shelter.
Thursday's gala at Rock Wall Wine Company will be a major celebration as well as a fundraiser.
Events Calendar
October 27: After the Ball from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Rock Wall Wine Co.
October 29: Books, Inc. book signing benefitting FAAS.
10/24/2011
To ensure our admission/reservation list is current we would like to ask that tickets to the "After The Ball" Gala are not purchased through this website after Noon on Wednesday 10/26/2011.
Tickets will be available at the door and may be purchased by check, cash or credit card.
10/17/2011
SAVE OUR SHELTER
TOWN HALL MEETING - EMERGENCY NOTICE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 17TH - TONIGHT
7:00 P.M.
Come hear the preliminary report of the Alameda Animal Shelter Transition Steering Committee to the City of Alameda. Ask questions and provide feedback.
At this point in time, the Steering Committee and the City of Alameda are at a crucial point in negotiating the future of the Alameda Animal Shelter. The City's offer does not meet the expectations of the Steering Committee and citizen input is needed to help chart future direction.
PLEASE ATTEND
And
CONTACT ALL ALAMEDA RESIDENTS YOU KNOW WHO ARE CONCERNED WITH ANIMAL WELFARE ISSUES AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO ATTEND.
10/16/2011
Negotiations with city continue; unique items to be auctioned at gala
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) Update #9
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Steering Committee Update
Meeting with city constructive; Town Hall set for Oct. 17
We had a constructive exchange with the City of Alameda Thursday, Oct. 13 and resolved some important issues. The city moved toward more equitable funding with an offer to meet our proposed $300,000 in city funding -- but only for the first year of the contract and by drawing on funds that had been donated to the shelter by community members who wanted them used to provide special care for the animals, not to pay ongoing expenses. The city will offer $220,000 annually in subsequent years, which is over $1 million less than we need to operate the shelter effectively over the life of the 15-year agreement.
These and other important issues still need to be resolved. City Manager John Russo said the city is in discussions with the Hayward animal shelter as an alternative to the FAAS plan with an annual fee of $250,000 to accept Alameda animals on the table. Russo asked us to accept the contract by next Friday, Oct. 21. The Steering Committee will review the offer and respond next week.
Meanwhile, Steering Committee chair Tom Cushing will review the whole proposal and get input from FAAS supporters at a Town Hall meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, October 17 at Michaan's Auction House Theater, West Essex and Saratoga, Alameda Point. A public show of support for an adequately-funded shelter will send an important message to city leaders. Please plan to attend and bring friends and family. Information about what you can do to help resolve this issue will be discussed at the meeting.
Fundraising Update
Lunch with Billy Beane to be auctioned at fundraiser.
Lunch with legendary Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane and a eight-night stay in a luxurious condo on the grounds of the historic La Quinta Resort and Spa, also a five-day stay in a private condo at Lake Tahoe are among the unique items that will be available at the live and silent auctions at "After the Ball," the FAAS fundraising gala Thursday, Oct. 27 at Rock Wall Winery.
The private lunch with Beane, whose career was immortalized in the bestseller Moneyball and in the hit movie starring Brad Pitt, should help raise critically needed funds. People unable to attend in person, can place a proxy bid on this one-of-a-kind item by call FAAS Board Member John Lipp at (510) 332-7911.
Also up for auction will be two tickets to a Sharks game, four field-level tickets to an Oakland A's game and a visit to batting practice on the field with the players and signed copies of the book "Eight of Pentacles" by local author Eloise Hill along with jewelry, pet-themed gift baskets and other items. Guests may also purchase one of 100 glasses of special wine, one of which has a three-quarter carat emerald clear cut diamond inside valued at $2,000.
The event starts at 7 p.m. following the 6:30 p.m. pre-event VIP reception and features tasting of a variety of wines from Rock Wall and other wineries, hors d'oeuvres from Angela's Bistro and special guest appearances by mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and jazz vocalist Natasha Miller. General admission is $75 and $125 VIP passes allow entry to a pre-event reception and select wine-tasting one half hour before the event begins. Tickets are available online at www.aftertheball.org or www.faas.bbnow.org, by calling FAAS at (800) 871-9012 ext. 372172# or emailing faas909@gmail.com. More information about the organization is available at www.faas.bbnow.org.
Events Calendar
October 24: Mojito Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, at Angela's Bistro & Bar, 2301 Central Ave.
October 27: After the Ball from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Rock Wall Wine Co.
October 29: Books, Inc. book signing benefitting FAAS.
Help Wanted
If any the following fit your interest and skills, contact Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Shelby at volunteerfaas@hotmail.com.
- Event Volunteers who can help before, during and after events.
- Photographer to take pictures at events and for FAAS communications.
10/11/2011
City will let us take over the shelter but offers inadquate funding to run it
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) Update #8
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Steering Committee Update
We received a decidedly mixed message from the City of Alameda in its response to our proposal to take over responsibility for the Alameda Animal Shelter and run it as a nonprofit in a public/private partnership. The city has agreed to turn it over to us and lease us the current building at $1 per year, but has only committed $140,000 per year to meet its obligations under the contract. (Late word is that amount could go up by $80,000, but we have not gotten a confirmation.) We had proposed that the city fund it at $300,000 -- one half of the $600,000 we know it will cost to run the shelter.
Further discussions with the city are scheduled Thursday, Oct. 13 to iron out this and other issues related to the agreement. We will be expressing our concern that we would be unable - and thus unwilling -- to run the shelter for the amount for which the city is proposing to contract. The city has yet to indicate whether it has identified a shelter within its 75 to 100 mile search area that would contract to take Alameda animals for this amount or less, so we feel ours is the best solution to the city's fiscal problem.
We will hold a Town Hall meeting on the issue at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17 at at Michaan's Auction House Theater, West Essex and Saratoga on Alameda Point, to update our supporters in Alameda about the outcome of the negotiations. Please plan to attend and bring your friends. A public show of support for an adequately-funded shelter will send an important message to city leaders.
Fundraising Update
We netted over $2,600 from the barbecue dinner at Churchward Pub on Oct. 2. We have now raised over $150,000 in donations and pledges -half of our $300,000 goal. A special appeal for donations went out Oct. 7 and the upcoming fundraising gala should go a long way in helping us raise the rest.
Reservations are going at a good clip for "After the Ball," an elegant gala at Rock Wall Wine Co. on Thursday, Oct. 27. General admission is $75 and VIP passes providing admission to a pre-event reception and select wine-tasting one half hour before the gala begins are $125.
The VIP reception begins at 6:30 p.m. and the gala starts at 7 p.m. A variety of fine wines from Rock Wall Wine Co and other wineries will be available for tasting, along with scrumptious hors d'oeuvres from Angela's Bistro and special guest appearances by two well known Alameda artists -- mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and jazz vocalist Natasha Miller. Live and silent auctions will offer customized gift packages items donated by Bay Area merchants.
Space is limited, so make your reservations now by going to the FAAS website at www.faas.bbnow.org, calling FAAS at (800) 871-9012 ext. 372172# or emailing your request
to faas909@gmail.com.
.
Events Calendar
October 24: Mojito Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, at Angela's Bistro & Bar, 2301 Central Ave.
October 27: After the Ball from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Rockwall Winery.
October 29: Books, Inc. book signing benefitting FAAS.
Help Wanted
If any the following fit your interest and skills, contact Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Shelby at volunteerfaas@hotmail.com.
- Event Volunteers who can help before, during and after events.
- Photographer to take pictures at events and for FAAS communications.
Dear Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter,
We are in the final stretch and need your donation to help us achieve our goal of saving our animal shelter. You will recall, the City Council gave us until November 1st to come up with an operational plan and a fundraising strategy to transition the shelter from a municipal facility to a non-profit organization. Throughout the summer months a steering committee composed of volunteers has been working diligently on these two goals.
Within the next few weeks we will present the operational plan to the City for final approval. It is a solid plan that includes a new operations manual, a streamlined budget, and job descriptions for a lean and effective staff. We anticipate full approval of this plan.
Fundraising events have been held throughout the summer and have yielded thousands of dollars. Our After the Ball gala on Thursday October 27th at Rock Wall Wine Co. will help raise additional funds. These revenues, however, are not enough to realize our fundraising goal of having a year's funding in place when we assume responsibility for the shelter! We have relied upon the certainty that the animal loving citizens of Alameda, and beyond, would rise to the occasion and open their wallets when the time came. That time is now!
The Rose and Winslow Foster Family Foundation, operated by a local family, will match dollar-for-dollar the first $5,000 in contributions, but even more than this is needed. Please make a tax-deductible donation reflecting your support for the Alameda Animal Shelter. You can do so by mailing a check made out to the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter to the address on this page or visit the FAAS webpage at http://faas.bbnow.org to make a secure online donation. If it helps you make your commitment easier or increases your contribution, you can request by email or phone that a pledge form be sent to you.
It has been gratifying to all our many friends and supporters - shelter workers, volunteers, donors, and local businesses - that the spirit of generosity is so strong in our community. The love we share for our pets and other animals in Alameda seeking a forever home is expressed through this effort to reinvent our shelter into a facility of which we can all be proud of for years to come.
Thank you in advance for what I know will be your heartfelt and generous response to this request.
Sincerely,
Nancy E. Bianchi, President
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter
P.S. When you write a check, please make it out to Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter rather than the shelter itself so that your contribution goes directly to our effort to save it from closure.
Alameda Journal
Posted: 10/06/2011 01:28:14 PM PDT
Alamedans love their animals. The Island has a long tradition of taking care of animals that are lost, injured, abandoned or in need of new homes. There has been a shelter in the city since early last century, and the need today is even greater.
That tradition is threatened with the proposed closure of Alameda Animal Shelter. The city budget for 2010-11 for the shelter was $926,520. Alameda estimates $700,000 a year could be saved from the closure and outsourcing services.
But finding a community willing to take in Alameda's animals would be difficult. And tracking down a missing pet and retrieving it from other areas would be difficult. Prospects would be grim for pets that are difficult to place, the older ones and those with health issues.
Thanks to the plea of a coalition of residents, there is a move to keep the shelter open as a nonprofit with help from volunteers and support from the city. Alameda leaders have given the Friends of Alameda Animal Shelter until Nov. 1 to come up with a viable plan and funding. The joint effort of Friends of Alameda Animal Shelter and the Humane Society of Alameda seems to be a solid one with a vision and a network to make it happen.
Organizers have raised $100,000 in just a few months since the campaign was launched. The goal is to raise enough money by mid-2012 to keep the shelter operating through that year and start on the next year's funding. It will take a lot of work but it can be done -- the nonprofit shelter in Reno, Nev., has been in operation for many years and that community voted to build a new one in 2005.
The group is asking Alameda to put in half the estimated $600,000 annual operating cost and it will come up with the rest through fundraisers, grants and corporate donations. The Alameda shelter has a good reputation and strong operation. The shelter has a save rate of 87 percent, compared to the national average of 50 percent.
The city could save $300,000 in salary by the foundation taking over and hiring just two employees -- one for fundraising and one for volunteers. Nonprofits' pay scale is about two-thirds of a public employee's salary. Part-time city workers still would provide the field services, while the foundation would care for pets brought in and help in handling adoptions, registration and licensing.
Speak up to save the shelter, step up to help in any way you can and make this dream of a nonprofit shelter work.
Go to www.faas.bbnow.org or email faas909@gmail.com for information.
Tickets Now on Sale for Oct. 27 Gala To Raise Funds to Save Our Shelter
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) Update #7
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Fundraising Update
Reservations are now available for "After the Ball," an elegant gala at Rock Wall Winery on Thursday, October 27 that will raise funds critical to our efforts to save the shelter. General admission is $75 and VIP passes providing admission to a pre-event reception and select wine-tasting one half hour before the gala begins are $125.
The VIP reception begins at 6:30 p.m. and the gala starts at 7 p.m. A variety of wines from Rock Wall and other wineries will be available for tasting, along with scrumptious hors d'oeuvres from Angela's Bistro and special guest appearances by two well known Alameda artists -- mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and jazz vocalist Natasha Miller. Live and silent auctions will offer customized gift packages of items donated by Bay Area merchants.
Sponsors Rock Wall, Angela's, Park Centre Animal Hospital, Bank of Alameda, Jiva Creative, Alameda Pet Hospital, US Bank and South Shore Center/Alameda Beauty Center are underwriting the cost of the event through in-kind and direct donations so that the majority of proceeds can be used to save the shelter. FAAS has been given until November 1 to demonstrate to the City of Alameda that we can raise enough funds to assume responsibility for the shelter and run it as a nonprofit to keep the city from closing it down.
To purchase admission to the gala call FAAS at (800) 871-9012 ext. 372172# or email your request to faas909@gmail.com . Starting Saturday, October 1st, you can purchase admission online at this website just click donate and enter the amount total for tickets and your name will be added to our checkin sheet at the door.
Events Calendar
October 2: Churchward Pub, 1515 Park St., will be serving barbecue plates for $10 with all proceeds from the sale of food and a raffle going to FAAS.
October 6: First Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at Urban Island Home Furnishings, 1901 Broadway.FAAS receives tips and proceeds of beverage sales.
October 24: Mojito Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, at Angela's Bistro & Bar, 2301 Central Ave.
October 27: After the Ball from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Rock Wall Winery.
October 29: Books, Inc. book signing benefitting FAAS.
Help Wanted
If any the following fit your interest and skills, contact Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Shelby at volunteerfaas@hotmail.com.
- Event Volunteers who can help before, during and after events.
- Photographer to take pictures at events and for FAAS communications.
Gala in October Will Raise Funds To Save Our Shelter
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) Update #6
Help us spread the word; forward this email to friends, family and neighbors.
Fundraising Update
Spectacular Event: A major fundraising gala has been scheduled at the Rock Wall Wine Company Tasting Room and Event Center on Thursday, October 27. "After the Ball" promises to be an elegant evening of wine tasting, sumptuous hors d'oeuvres, entertainment and both live and silent auctions featuring one-of-a-kind packages of items donated by local businesses.
Please help us identify businesses or individuals willing to sponsor this event so that as much of the proceeds as possible can be used to save the shelter. Three different levels of sponsorships are available: Bronze Collar at $1,000, Silver Collar at $2,500 and Gold Collar at $5,000. Each level offers a variety of benefits, including recognition at the event and in marketing materials as well as VIP tickets to the gala. Items are also needed for the auctions. In order to receive the maximum benefit of having names on promotional materials, sponsorships must be received by September 21 and auction pledges by September 30. Contact Cindy Shelby at (800) 871-9012 ext 372172# or eventfaas@hotmail.com.
Tickets for the event go on sale September 23. Keep an eye out for more information in future updates.
Spectacular Weekend: Meanwhile, FAAS managed to raise over $8,000 in just one weekend. On Sept. 9, Friday Night at the Wine Co. netted $770 in tips and another $500 from owner Karen Ulrich. Volunteers at the FAAS booth at the Webster Street Jam Sept. 10 and 11 took in $1,074 in donations and gratefully accepted two checks totaling $5,833.33 from two family members. With these and other donations and pledges, we have raised $120,000 -- 40% of the $300,000 we want to have in place by the time we take over responsibility for the shelter. Thanks to all the donors and volunteers who helped make it happen.
Lead donors needed: The names of individual or businesses capable of making larger "lead" donations of $10,000 and more are needed as soon as possible. Members of the Fundraising Committee will meet personally with prospective lead donors and discreetly discuss the most donor-friendly way of contributing. To confidentially suggest a donor lead, contact Tom Hyland at TPJH@comcast.net.
Steering Committee Update
The Steering Committee met with representatives of the Alameda Police Department last week to continue discussions leading to FAAS assuming responsibility for the shelter. Steering Committee chair Tom Cushing gave the APD copies of a proposed lease for the shelter building and shelter services agreement. In the spirit of public/private partnership, the agreement calls for the City of Alameda to underwrite half of the projected $600,000 annual operating budget. The animal services budget in fiscal 2011 was over $900,000. Additional meetings with the APD are scheduled for later this month prior to seeking city approval of the FAAS proposal.
Still in question is the disposition of the $327,000 balance in a donations fund made to the shelter by Alameda residents. APD is depleting the fund to cover routine shelter operations; FAAS believes it was intended for special services for the animals and should be put in a trust for such future uses.
Events Calendar
September 17: Sample Links Screamin' Q Sauce from 4 to 8 p.m at the Alameda Wine Company, 2315 Central Ave. Proceeds from the sale of a case of the barbecue sauce will be donated to FAAS.
October 2: Churchward Pub, 1515 Park St., will be serving barbecue plates for $10 with all proceeds from the sale of food and a raffle going to FAAS.
October 6: First Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at Urban Island Home Furnishings, 1901 Broadway. FAAS receives tips and proceeds of beverage sales.
October 24:Mojito Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, at Angela's Bistro & Bar, 2301 Central Ave.
October 27: After the Ball from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Rock Wall Winery.
October 29: Books, Inc. book signing benefitting FAAS.
Help Wanted
Without paid staff, we depend on the time and effort of volunteers. A number of critical jobs need to be done. If any the following fit your interest and skills, contact Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Shelby at volunteerfaas@hotmail.com.
- Researchers who can compile lists of individuals, organizations and companies that might donate money or in-kind services.
- Events Committee Members who can be part of a team planning and implementing events.
- Event Volunteers who can help before, during and after events.
- Photographer to take pictures at events and for FAAS communications.
Local groups work to keep the Alameda Animal Shelter open
Cities across the country are tightening their belts due to decreased tax revenues during these difficult economic times and Alameda is no exception. Among the ideas proposed for reducing Alameda's budget is closing the Alameda Animal Shelter and outsourcing its functions to shelters in other communities. That would mean a longer drive for Island residents who want to adopt, retrieve or surrender a family pet.
The Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter and the Humane Society of Alameda have stepped forward with a solution - keep the shelter open by operating it as a non-profit. City officials have agreed to let the non-profit take it over if viable operational and fundraising plans are in place by Nov.1.
"This model has worked in other communities and we're optimistic that we can satisfy the city's requirements by the deadline," says FAAS President Nancy Bianchi. "We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of individuals and businesses in and around Alameda who have opened up their hearts and their wallets to help us help our community's pets."
With just under two months left, activity has risen to a fever pitch. A steering committee has been meeting with city officials and as well as creating operating policies and procedures for a nonprofit shelter. A variety of fundraising activities have been launched to raise $300,000 of the $600,000 budget needed to fund the shelter for the first year. This includes special events, grant writing, corporate appeals and individual solicitations.
Donations large and small have been pouring in since the fate of the shelter has come into question. Contributions from previous and recent fundraising efforts alone approach $65,000 in donations and pledges, but much more is needed.
A number of businesses and organizations have helped raise money for this effort by turning over a portion of one evening's tips or proceeds, including Angela's Bistro, Urban Island Home Furnishings, Dog Bone Alley, Tomatina's, Books Inc. and Daisy's.
A major fundraising gala, "After the Ball," has been scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 27, at Rock Wall Winery. It is being planned as an elegant evening of wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, entertainment and a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind packages of items. Sponsorships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 have been designed to give local businesses a chance to promote their businesses while supporting our local pet population.
For more information about sponsorships, contact FAAS at eventfaas@hotmail.com or call 800- 871-9012 ext 372172# by Sept. 14. Individual donations can be made online at http://faas.bbnow.org/ donate.php. To volunteer, contact Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Shelby at volunteerfaas@hotmail.com.
The Alameda Animal Shelter is not just a place to adopt pets, but also a place where animals in distress, whether domesticated or wild, can find a caring person to guide them to safety.
Information will also be available at the FAAS booth at the Webster Street Jam this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11.
On Friday 09/09/2011 Alameda Wine Company is pledging the doubling of their tip total for that evening to FAAS.
In addition, any customer who makes a monetary contribution to FAAS will receive 50% off their second glass of wine!
Pets are welcome!
Business Community Steps Up To Save Our Shelter
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) Update #5
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Fundraising Update
Since FAAS began in 2009, the Alameda business community has been extraordinarily generous in support of our efforts through cash and in-kind donations. Eleven businesses gave us items for our silent auction last October: Alameda Pet Hospital, Barceluna, Bill Botts Mirror Finish Auto Detailing, Cafe Fudgelato, Citizen Canine, Dog Bone Alley, HobNob, McGees, Pet Food Express, Raintree Photo Studios and Seiji Morikawa Certified Groomer, who has also been grooming shelter dogs for free since the current fundraising campaign began.
A number of other local businesses and organizations have helped raise us funds. Golden Gate Fields gave us $3,000 for serving hot dog and beer at their Dollar Days on three different occasions. We raised $1875 during Mohito Monday Night at Angela's Bistro and Bar and $127 at two events at Urban Island Home Furnishings. Dog Bone Alley, Tomatina's , Books Inc. and Daisy's donated a portion of their sales generating almost $1000. LaVal's Pizza made us the beneficiary of raffles at four car shows at Harbor Bay Landing, generating $595. Aeolian Yacht Club, IAL Club and Ballena Bay Yacht Club raised another $1000 for us in raffles at their dinners. The Community of Harbor Bay Isle gave us $100 for a presentation by Janice Borens about animals. Muse Media Center donated $50. Other support has come from Spank Salon, High Street Station, Park Centre Animal Hospital, Three Wishes Cards and Gifts, Burma Superstar, Jim's Coffee Shop, Juanita's Restaurant, Pappo, Scott's Shoes and See Spot Run.
Please patronize these businesses and, when you do, thank them for their support. If you know of any businesses that would like to help out, have them contact us at faas909@gmail.com.
Matching Funds:Many large corporations will match gifts to FAAS given by their employees, among them Chevron and Bank of America. Check with your employer to see if they offer matching gifts and double your donation.
Individual Donors:When making donations - or urging your family and friends to do so - please remember to make the check out to Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS), not the shelter itself. Money given directly to the shelter will be used to fund current operations, not help us raise money to turn it into a non-profit. Donations of any amount help. Please visit the website at http://faas.bbnow.org/ to donate securely online and spread the word to your family and friends.
Help Wanted
Without paid staff, we depend on the time and effort of volunteers. A number of critical jobs need to be done. If any the following fit your interest and skills, contact Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Shelby at volunteerfaas@hotmail.com.
- Researchers who can compile lists of individuals, organizations and companies that might donate money or in-kind services.
- Email List Developer who can compile a list of email addresses of shelter supporters.
- Speaker's Bureau Coordinator to contact local service clubs to arrange for someone from FAAS to speak at a meeting.
- Events Committee Members who can be part of a team planning and implementing events.
- Event Volunteers who can help before, during and after events.
- Photographer to take pictures at events and for FAAS communications.
Events Calendar
September 10-11: FAAS booth at Webster Street Jam.
October 24: Mojito Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, at Angela's Bistro & Bar, 2301 Central Ave.
October 27: After the Ball, an evening of fun, awareness and fundraising from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Rock Wall Winery.
Take a look at this article in today's Alameda Sun newspaper.
Chuck Bianchi, left, befriends Nori as Nancy Bianchi looks on with check in hand. The Bianchis read about the Morgan family's bake sale and lemonade stand to help pay for Nori's surgery for "bloat" or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) in the Alameda Sun ("Saving Nori," Aug. 18). The couple decided to present a check for $50 to the Morgan family on behalf of the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS). "We normally reserve our funds for needs directly related to the shelter," said Nancy Bianchi, "but we were so moved by what we read in the Alameda Sun about what these children were doing to save their pet, and so grateful for the outpouring of support we've received from the community to help save our shelter, that our board decided to make an exception in this case and donate $50 toward Nori's recovery." That's Michelle Morgan holding Nori's leash with Lance Morgan, Charlotte Morgan, Emily Nielsen and Bridget Morgan looking on.
Fundraising Kicks Into High Gear
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) Update #4
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Fundraising Update
Our fundraising efforts are starting to pay off. A local donor has pledged $5,000 from the family's foundation now and another $5,000 in a few months when they see how things are going. Two additional donors have pledged $5,000 each, including a local animal lover who has authorized us to use the funds to underwrite our grant-writing efforts. We have also received donations of $250, $500 and $1,000. Donations of any amount help.
Please visit the website at http://faas.bbnow.org/ to donate securely online and spread the word to your family and friends.
Our events are helping raise awareness as well as dollars.
Mojito Monday at Angela's was a great success, raising more than $1,800.
We took in almost $2,000 at the Harbor Bay Garage Sale on August 13.
Equally important, we reached a lot of people with our information about the risk our shelter faces.
In-kind donations help us get more bang for our bucks. Rock Wall winery has generously given us a multi-thousand dollar discount for the big event we are planning for October. (See Events Calendar below)
Steering Committee Update
Members of the Steering Committee met recently with City Manager John Russo and the Alameda Police Department (APD), which now operates the shelter. Both meetings were instructive and underscored the importance of our fundraising efforts.
Events Calendar
August 28: FAAS volunteers will be staffing the beer booths at Golden Gate Fields. We will get a $1,000 donation for our efforts and will get to keep all the money put in the tip jars.
August 28: Dis-Go-Boom at Urban Island Furnishings,1901 Broadway. Part of proceeds benefit FAAS.
September 1: First Thursdays at Urban Island Furnishings. Beverage sales and tips go to FAAS.
September 10-11:FAAS booth at Webster Street Jam.
October 24:Mojito Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, at Angela's Bistro & Bar, 2301 Central Ave.
October 27: After the Ball, an evening of fun, awareness and fundraising from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Rock Wall Winery.
Help Wanted
Without paid staff, we depend on the time and effort of volunteers. A number of critical jobs need to be done. If any the following fit your interest and skills, contact Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Shelby at volunteerfaas@hotmail.com
-
Researchers who can compile lists of individuals, organizations and companies that might donate money or in-kind services.
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Email List Developer who can compile a list of email addresses of shelter supporters.
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Speaker's Bureau Coordinator to contact local service clubs to arrange for someone from FAAS to speak at a meeting.
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Events Committee Members who can be part of a team planning and implementing events.
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Event Volunteers who can help before, during and after events.
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Photographer to take pictures at events and for FAAS communications.
Dear Friends,
The animal residents of Alameda- our pets and the homeless strays wanting for a second chance - are in jeopardy. As a result of the 78% reduction of the Animal Shelter's budget made by the City of Alameda in our current fiscal year, the Animal Shelter will effectively be turned into a holding facility for animals before they are "outsourced" to distant communities. Since the Alameda Shelter has the second lowest euthanasia rate in the County, outsourcing will likely mean a death sentence for many adoptable pets.
We need your help to make sure this doesn't happen!
The Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS)needs your financial support now to ensure we can maintain the animal shelter services that are at the center of our community's love and humane treatment for our beloved pets.
The City of Alameda has given us until November 1st to
come up with a plan to expand our nonprofit operations and take over the shelter services. Although a non-profit organization can run such a shelter for less expense than the City, the financial challenge is great and it is urgent. To make this work, we need to show by the November 1st deadline, that we can raise between $300,000 to $400,000 to run the shelter!
Your donation is needed now!
Please use the accompanying envelope to send your tax-deductible contribution to the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter or visit our website at www.faas.bbnow.org to make a secure, electronic donation.
On behalf of the pets and homeless animals dependent upon our care and stewardship, thank you for your support of the
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter
.
Sincerely,
Nancy E. Bianchi
President
PS
- Any donation of $250, or more, made directly to FAAS entitles you to have your pet's picture on a large format poster inside a Pet Food Express of your choice as part of the My Mutt Program. (Images of additional pets in the picture are an additional donation of $250 per pet.) The poster will be displayed for one year in the store. And with a $500 donation, the poster will be displayed and then become yours to keep and cherish. For more information, please call Pet Food Express at them at (510) 924-3309.
Events Calendar
August 13
FAAS will be selling a lot of fun stuff at the 6th Annual Harbor Bay Isle Community Garage Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, at Island Dr. and Mecartney Rd. We need donations of jewelry, watches, handbags, toys, household items, baby items, sporting goods, books, collectibles, live plants, gardening items, pet supplies, tools, glassware sets. (No clothes or anything electronic, please.)
Please bring your items to the event for pricing and sale.
August 28
FAAS volunteers will be staffing the beer booths at Golden Gate Fields.We will get a $1,000 donation for our efforts and will get to keep all the money put in the tip jars. Mark it on your calendar!
New Fundraising Record Set for Mojito Monday on 8/08/2011 Benefiting the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter.
The Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) raised $1,674 in two hours at Angela's Restaurant weekly Mojito Monday event to benefit non-profit organizations. FAAS is working with numerous local businesses to raise funds in its efforts to transition the animal shelter from city control to a non-profit organization.
Volunteer "celebrity" bartender Rajiv Mathur prepared dozens upon dozens of mojitos for the packed crowd which rewarded him with tips for the animal shelter. Restaurant owners declared this event the most successful Mojito Monday of any thus far held, outstripping the previous record of $1,000 raised by the Alameda Police.
The Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter will return for another Mojito Monday on October 24th. All supporters of the animal shelter are invited to attend.
Your response to this appeal letter will help make the difference in our efforts to create a new non-porift organization to run the Alameda Animal Shelter. Please share this special email with your family and friends who share your interest in supporting this effort.
New Fundraising Record Set for Mojito Monday to Benefit the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter.
The Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) raised $1,674 in two hours at Angela’s Restaurant weekly Mojito Monday event to benefit non-profit organizations. FAAS is working with numerous local businesses to raise funds in its efforts to transition the animal shelter from city control to a non-profit organization.
Volunteer “celebrity” bartender Rajiv Mathur prepared dozens upon dozens of mojitos for the packed crowd which rewarded him with tips for the animal shelter. Restaurant owners declared this event the most successful Mojito Monday of any thus far held, outstripping the previous record of $1,000 raised by the Alameda Police.
The Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter will return for another Mojito Monday on October 24th. All supporters of the animal shelter are invited to attend.
Help Save Our Shelter By Speaking Out
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) Update #3
Help us spread the word; forward this email to friends, family and neighbors.
Letters to the Editor Campaign
One our key goals of is to generate awareness of the effort to save and support the Alameda Animal Shelter. Letters to the Editor in local newspapers like the Alameda Sun and Alameda Journal as well as the online publication Alameda Patch are an effective way to do that.
Letters to the Alameda Sun should be sent via email to editor@alamedasun.com. Letters to the Alameda Journal should be sent to ajletter@bayareanewsgroup.com. Letters to Alameda Patch can be sent to eve@patch.com. Submit your letter by Monday; sooner is better. Always include your full name, address and telephone number. The editor may call you to verify that the letter actually came from you.
The following suggestions will ensure that your letter is published as quickly as possible and is read and understood once it is published:
Keep it short: A letter of 200 words or so has a much better chance of being published and read than one with 500 words.
Keep it positive: Readers will be more likely to consider your opinion if you promote it without disparaging anyone or resorting to name-calling.
Keep it factual: The more facts you can include in your letter, the more credibility it will have.
Keep it personal: Relate your own experiences with the shelter in a compelling fashion.
Keep it clear: Summarize your point of view succinctly early in the letter and reiterate it in the closing.
Keep it timely: Focus on current developments rather than those that have already passed.
Keep it fresh: Don’t repeat what other letter writers have said on the issue; come up with a fresh perspective.
Steering Committee Update
Representatives of the Steering Committee met with City Councilman Doug deHaan who said that he was impressed with our community mobilization effort and that he is supportive of our goals. Meetings are scheduled this week with City Manager John Russo and the Alameda Police Department (APD), which now operates the shelter. We hope to learn more about APD’s contingency outsourcing plans if we don’t take over the shelter and their plans for fulfilling their animal control responsibilities if we do.
Events Calendar
August 8
All cash tips collected by the celebrity bartender on Mojito Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, at Angela’s Bistro & Bar, 2301 Central Ave., will be donated to FAAS. Join us for a cocktail!
August 13
FAAS will be selling a lot of fun stuff at the 6th Annual Harbor Bay Isle Community Garage Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, at Island Dr. and Mecartney Rd. We need donations of jewelry, watches, handbags, toys, household items, baby items, sporting goods, books, collectibles, live plants, gardening items, pet supplies, tools, glassware sets. (No clothes or anything electronic, please.)
Please bring your items to the event for pricing and sale.
August 28
FAAS volunteers will be staffing the beer booths at Golden Gate Fields. We will get a $1,000 donation for our efforts and will get to keep all the money put in the tip jars. Mark it on your calendar!
Fundraising is the Key to Saving Our Shelter
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) Update #2
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Steering Committee Update
While we believe that a non-profit organization can operate the animal shelter far more economically than the city, the shelter will still depend a great deal on donations from community members. We need to demonstrate to the city that we can raise the necessary funds. Accordingly, the steering committee has established a fundraising committee. Chaired by Tom Hyland, the committee is working on a number of critical projects:
- Developing a communications plan and upgrading the FAAS website.
- Creating a list of home, business and email addresses of potential donors and volunteers.
- Launching an online and mail fundraising appeal.
- Researching grant-making foundations and corporations and preparing grant proposals.
- Creating several fundraising events to raise money and increase awareness (see calendar below)
Fundraising Event Calendar
We have already collected donations at the Harbor Bay Landing car show July 7 and collected names of potential supporters at the Meals on Wheels fundraiser at Rockwall winery July 17. We're working on a major event in the fall, but several other fundraising events are scheduled in the upcoming weeks:
August 8
All cash tips collected by the celebrity bartender on Mojito Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, at Angela's Bistro & Bar , 2301 Central Ave., will be donated to FAAS. Join us for a cocktail!
August 13
FAAS will be selling a lot of fun stuff at the 6th Annual Harbor Bay Isle Community Garage Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, at Island Dr. and Mecartney Rd. We need donations of jewelry, watches, handbags, toys, household items, baby items, sporting goods, books, collectibles, live plants, gardening items, pet supplies, tools, glassware sets. (No clothes or anything electronic, please.) Please bring your items to the event for pricing and sale.
August 28
FAAS volunteers will be staffing the beer booths at Golden Gate Fields. We will get a $1,000 donation for our efforts and will get to keep all the money put in the tip jars. Mark it on your calendar!
More ways to donate
Pet Food Express My Mutt program: Make a donation of at least $250 to FAAS and Pet Food Express will have a professional pet photographer shoot a photo of your adorable critter to go on a poster that will be displayed at the store of your choice for six months - on year for a donation of $500 or more, the image will be up for a year and then given to the family who donated.
FAAS Major Donor program:In addition to the smaller fundraising efforts, we need major individual and corporate donors with the vision, interest and capability to donate $10,000, $50,000, $100,000 or more to help us run the shelter. Members of our Fundraising Committee will happily meet with prospective major donors to review the business plan and discuss a donor option that suits your situation. Please contact the Fundraising Committee through the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter at FAAS909@gmail.com
The Countdown to Save Our Shelter Begins
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) Update #1
The clock has started ticking toward the November 1 deadline established by the City of Alameda for local animal welfare advocates represented by the Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) and the Alameda Humane Society to demonstrate their ability to take over the operation of the Alameda Animal Shelter from the Alameda Police Department. A successful outcome will convince the city not to close the shelter and outsource its operations to shelters in other cities.
A Steering Committee composed of volunteers from FAAS and the Humane Society has made great progress in several key areas, including:
- Creating an outline for proposed shelter operations and procedures
- Drawing up revenue and expense budget documents
- Establishing fundraising and volunteer committees
- Maintaining a dialogue with the Police Department and City Hall
Our two key goals over the next 3 months are to:
- Complete the planning and implementation process to take over operation of the shelter.
- Raise enough seed money to get the new shelter management up and running.
That’s a tall order in a short period of time, but with your help we can do it. Here’s how you can help:
- Donate: Any amount, large or small, will help us toward our fund-raising goal. You can donate quickly, easily and securely by going to the FAAS website at http://faas.bbnow.org/donate.php.
- Participate: We have a lot of fundraising events scheduled over the next few months. Show up, bring your friends and help us raise the money we need. A schedule of events is on the FAAS website at http://faas.bbnow.org/events.php.
- Volunteer: We need people who can help staff the events and the various committees we have formed to do what needs to be done over the next few months. Let us know you’re interested by emailing us at faas909@gmail.com.
- Spread the word: We need as many people in Alameda as possible to support our effort to save the shelter. Get your neighbors, family and friends involved by sending them a note with a link to our website. A handy form is available on the website at http://faas.bbnow.org/spread.php.
- Speak out: We want to keep a constant stream of Letters to the Editor in the Alameda Sun and Alameda Journal. Future editions of this newsletter will contain hints that will help you increase the impact of your letter.
Stay informed: Keep up to date on our progress by reading the regular updates we’ll send to you by email and by joining our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-the-Alameda-Animal-Shelter-FAAS/188792315991.
7/07/2011
6/05/2011
FAAS will be holding a workshop at 1101 Verdemar Drive on Bay Farm Island this Thursday 6/9 at 7:00pm in the Casitas townhome recreation hall. Tell your Friends, Veterinarians, Groomers and favorite Pet store and employees to come on out and lets brainstorm!
6/02/2011
5/18/2011
5/12/2011
2/09/2011
Buy your Valentines Day flowers or other Valentine’s gifts via this link and the stores will donate $10 of each purchase to FAAS.
Click this link to order today!
http://www.causes.com/valentines/453285?m=b8472ba0
1/05/2011
On Saturday July 16th FAAS will be putting on a dog walk & family picnic at Lincoln park. You can help by thinking of a name for the dog walking event and emailing it to faas909@gmail.com or commenting here. Entries are due by January 31st, you could win a goody bag if your name for the event is chosen. Get creative!
Come and participate in the St. Valenfaas Day Event on Friday February 12th from 6pm to 10pm. Come dine at Tomatina and shop at at Books Inc., Daisy's, Dog Bone Alley and 3 Wishes. They all will be donating a portion of their proceeds to FAAS which provides help for the homeless animals at the City of Alameda Animal Shelter.
Right from the top! Here is an article in today's Alameda Sun written by Alameda Police Chief Walter B. Tibbet.
12/15/2009
FAAS members and Santa FAAS thank everyone who stopped by and made a donation at the first Annual Santa FAAS celebration on December 12th at the Alameda Animal Shelter. We raised over $300 for the homeless animals.
12/02/2009
The Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter cordially invite Alamedan’s and their pets to their first SANTA FAAS celebration from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Alameda Animal Shelter.
Come and join in the holiday spirit with the adoptable animals, volunteers and staff who care for them. With a $10 donation you can get a photo of your pet with "Santa FAAS” (Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter).
All dogs must be leashed and cats, bunnies and other small critters must be in carriers.
Donations are tax deductible and 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the homeless animals. Refreshments will be served to pets and their humans.
11/23/2009
FAAS will be at Petco in the Alameda Towne Centre Friday 11/27 from 1-3 pm. Every person who makes a donation will be eligible to win a Petco gift card. Donations to FAAS are tax deductible.
Heres an article written by Carrie Beavers of the Alameda Sun introducing FAAS to the community. she also talks about the FAAS Facebook page. (click the title above)
Heres an article written by Linda Treml Hallan of the Alameda Journal introducing FAAS to the community. Good reading! (click the title above)
As of 10/25/2009 we have 15 fans and are growing daily. For the most current information on FAAS won't you become our fan on Facebook? But please before you leave this site won't you consider making a donation that can be used for maybe a grooming or teeth cleaning? The dogs, cats, rabbits and others will be grateful!
On 10/24/2009, we launched our new website. We invite you to take a look around the website and tell your friends to come see us too by using our new Spread the Word website tool.
