Bay Area Philanthropists Featured in Video Touting Humane Society Silicon Valley's New Animal Community Center

MILPITAS, Calif., April 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Some of the Bay Area's most visible philanthropists who have made gifts to Humane Society Silicon Valley's (HSSV's) New Beginnings building campaign appear in a video on HSSV's website and other social media outlets discussing HSSV's new Animal Community Center, its unique programs and why they chose to make a gift to the campaign. HSSV donors featured in the video include: Carol Bailey, Sue and John Diekman, Melissa and Clyde Dyrdahl, Sue and Dick Levy, Judy and George Marcus, and Beth and Chuck Travers. The $25 million Animal Community Center opened in April 2009 but $1.5 million must still be raised to complete the new building campaign.

"HSSV's new Center is helping us change the paradigm of how an animal shelter is viewed by our community and how we interact with our community to save more animals' lives," says Christine Benninger, HSSV's president who is featured in the video.  "We hope animal lovers throughout the Bay Area and beyond will watch this new video, learn more about our exceptional programs and services and then 'do more' by following their hearts to help us complete this campaign!"

"If you could wish to design your dream animal shelter, center or sanctuary for animals, this fits the entire dream," says Beth Travers, featured in the video with her husband Chuck Travers. "This project is a shining example of what a community can do."

"The most exciting aspect of seeing the new Animal Community Center in action is seeing the reaction of people who arrive there," says Sue Diekman, HSSV's board vice chair featured in the video with her husband John Diekman, an HSSV honorary board member.  "There's a real wow factor."

"I think what we're doing is so groundbreaking that we will change how other animal shelters are conceived, designed and built in the future," says HSSV Board Chair Melissa Dyrdahl, also featured in the video with her husband Clyde Dyrdahl. "To be a part of the very first one that really made the next transformational shift in animal welfare I think is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one of the reasons why we decided to make a large investment," Dyrdahl explains.

"We give to a lot of different philanthropies," says Dick Levy, shown in the video with his wife Sue Levy, HSSV's board secretary and building campaign chair. At HSSV "you get instant reinforcement when you visit. It's a wonderful atmosphere. It's not just because of the nice building. It's because of the people. They deserve all the support they can get."

"This is a gift to the Silicon Valley," says George Marcus, featured in the video with his wife Judy, an HSSV honorary board member. "If you're engaged in any form of philanthropy and you have any inclination to help the community as well as pets in the community, and increase the well being of the community, this is an absolutely essential place."

"I would strongly encourage supporting the Humane Society," says Carol Bailey, shown in the video. "They do such a fantastic job enhancing and saving lives. These animals deserve a second chance."

Supporters who are interested in naming opportunities are invited to contact HSSV's Development Department for a personal tour at 408.262.2133 ext. 134. Other supporters are encouraged to make a donation to the campaign or create their own HSSV personal fundraising page on the HSSV website, http://giving.hssv.org/campaign.  Through their personal fundraising page, individuals or groups can send emails and post information on their Facebook pages asking their family, friends and co-workers to support them in their effort to help the animals. By teaming up to raise funds, individuals or groups can earn permanent donor recognition awards such as a spot on HSSV's Circle of Friends Community Wall, a brick at the entrance to the new Animal Community Center, a 16" x 16" personalized paver with their animal's name and paw prints, or their name(s) on a doggie drinking fountain, kitty, doggie, or bunny playroom.

HSSV's new Animal Community Center is the first environmentally "green" certified Center in the country to offer an Adoption Program  with a full spectrum of pet and community services under one roof: A Medical Center specializing in affordable spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping and testing services; A Dog Park; Doggie Daycare, Boarding, training and Grooming services provided through A DOG's LIFE; An Education Center with programs for children and teens; A Community Room that can be rented by groups for meetings; and a Whole Pets store. All proceeds from these services support HSSV's life saving work.

About Humane Society Silicon Valley

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is an independent, non-profit agency offering quality adoptions, medical care, education programs and pet care services to enhance the human-animal bond.  Established in 1929, HSSV has served Silicon Valley for 80 years and found homes for more than 500,000 animals. All animals in HSSV's adoption program are sheltered until they are placed in a loving home. HSSV is an "open door" facility and accepts animals 24-hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of any temperament or health related problems. In April 2009, HSSV opened its new Animal Community Center in Milpitas. HSSV also operates a satellite adoption center in PETCO in the El Paseo Shopping Center in San Jose. More information about HSSV can be found at www.hssv.org.

Contact:  Laura Fulda

VP, Marketing & Communications

Humane Society Silicon Valley

(408) 262-2133 ext. 159

SOURCE Humane Society Silicon Valley