MAZDA FOUNDATION ISSUES $25,000 GRANT TO THE SPCA FOR MONTEREY COUNTY

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. believes strongly in helping furry friends (and some not so furry) who find themselves neglected, homeless or injured. On Saturday, August 16th, the Mazda Foundation presented the local, independent SPCA for Monterey County with a generous $25,000 grant.

"The work that the SPCA of Monterey County does is so important to this community – their doors are open to all animals in need - from dogs and cats to horses, wildlife, exotics, and more," said Robert Davis, president, Mazda Foundation. "We are happy that the Mazda Foundation can help support this worthy organization."

In recognition of this $25,000 grant, the Mazda Foundation will receive a plaque prominently displayed in SPCA's new Dog Adoption building where dogs and puppies wait for their new, loving homes.

With the SPCA for Monterey County and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca located just across Highway 68 from each other, Mazda and its employees have been longtime supporters of the SPCA. Since 2007, Mazda Motorsports has worked hand-in-paw with the SPCA to promote shelter adoptions at select race weekends. Promotions have ranged from having MUTTS Comics stars Mooch and Earl at the track, naming animals after Mazda racers, special guest drivers like Indy 500 winner Danny Sullivan, and a Bunnies helping bunnies promotion with Playboy.

"The SPCA's relationship with Mazda Racing and the Mazda Foundation has benefitted the thousands of companion animals, horses, and wildlife rescued and cared for by the SPCA. Mazda always goes above and beyond in supporting our work for the animals," said Gary Tiscornia, SPCA Executive Director. "Mazda staff take animal protection personally. They bring drivers to the SPCA Adoption Pavilion to meet the pets named after them and always provide us opportunities to share in exciting Mazda programs at the historic Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. We are very grateful for their support."

Through the Mazda Foundation, Mazda and its employees are working together to proactively help communities build a better, brighter future. With contributions exceeding $8 million since its founding in 1992, the Mazda Foundation is playing a meaningful role in helping thousands of Americans realize their aspirations and dreams.

Mazda Foundation (USA) Inc.
Acting on a strong sense of responsibility to give something back to the communities in which it operates, Mazda established a philanthropic foundation. As the corporate foundation of Mazda North American Operations, it has awarded over $8 million to worthwhile causes across the United States since its initial grants in 1992. To learn more about the Mazda Foundation, please visit www.mazdafoundation.org.

The SPCA for Monterey County is your nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society that has been serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. The SPCA is not a chapter of any other agency and does not have a parent organization.  They shelter homeless, neglected and abused pets and livestock, and provide humane education and countless other services to the community. They are the local agency you call to investigate animal cruelty, rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife, and aid domestic animals in distress.

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations