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ARL’s Spay Waggin’® Celebrates 80,000th Surgery

ARL partners with the YMCA of Greater Boston for special Spay Waggin’ clinic, improving the health and well-being of people and pets in our communities

Just before Christmas, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Spay Waggin’ celebrated its 80,000th spay and neuter surgery during a special clinic in East Boston, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Boston.

ARL’s mobile vehicle, the Spay Waggin’, provides low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter services, and during this special clinic, more than two dozen animals had the important surgery performed, surpassing the 80,000 mark since the Spay Waggin’ was first launched in 2000.

ARL is thrilled to have the opportunity and ability to provide this service to pet owners in East Boston as well as other Greater Boston communities, and to celebrate this occasion with the YMCA of Greater Boston.

“The Animal Rescue League of Boston is a resource for pet owners, and this is a momentous occasion for a program that is now in its 24th year of service,” said Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL President and CEO. “We are proud of our work and the collaborative efforts of human service organizations like the YMCA of Greater Boston who helped innovative ideas become reality, helping countless pet owners in Boston.” 

“We are proud and honored to partner with the Animal Rescue League of Boston to mark this important milestone,” said David Shapiro, CEO Y of Greater Boston. “We were energized to host the launch of this important innovation and outreach seven years ago, and it is incredibly meaningful to play a continued supporting role in collaboratively strengthening the bond between people and their pets, improving the health and well-being of both by removing barriers so all can better thrive in community.”

ARL’s Spay Waggin’ provides spay/neuter services throughout the South Shore, South Coast, Cape Cod and the Islands, and Greater Boston.

Without this program, this vital surgery for pets would financially be out of reach for many pet owners, and the Spay Waggin’ not only provides a low-cost option, but also brings accessible services directly where they’re needed most.

Make a Difference

As the year comes to a close, you have the power to make a life-changing difference for animals in need.

Your support helps provide food, medical care, and safe shelter to vulnerable animals, giving them the care they deserve.

Donate today and help us start the new year with hope, love, and brighter futures for the animals who need us most.

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A True Home for the Holidays — Missing Cat Reunited with Family After Several Months

Microchip made reunion of missing cat possible

This past week, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) reunited a Maine family with their 10-year-old missing cat, several months after the cat got out and became lost during a family visit to Cape Cod.

Having the animal microchipped was what allowed for the reunion and for the cat to literally get back home for the holidays.

The cat, named Rosebud, had strictly been an indoor cat, but during the family’s visit to Brewster, Rosebud snuck outside and became lost.

Despite drastic efforts to find her, the family had to return to Maine, devastated in the thought that their beloved cat was gone and began mourning her loss.

However, on December 14, a Dennis resident contacted ARL’s Brewster Animal Care and Adoption Center, saying the cat had been hanging around the property for a couple of months seeking food, and although the cat had a flea collar but no identification tags, the resident believed the cat was an owned animal and then brought her to ARL.

ARL’s staff scanned the cat for a microchip, and then immediately contacted the owners.

Needless to say, the family was stunned, but overwhelmed with excitement that Rosebud was still alive and arranged to make the three-hour drive the next day to pick her up and get her home.

Upon arrival in Brewster, Rosebud’s family stated they were still in shock and it wasn’t until they physically saw her that the shock wore off and the reality set in that the cat was alive and well and ready to go home for the holidays!

Despite being indoors all of her life, Rosebud tapped into her survival instincts, and wandered the Cape wilderness for miles, starting in Brewster, and winding up in Dennis where she was found.

Importance of Microchipping

ARL reminds pet owners that a microchip greatly increases the odds of being reunited with your pet should they go missing.

A microchip is a tiny computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice that is programmed with an identification number unique to the animal.

It is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and last the life of your pet with no maintenance required.

Make an Impact

More than 35% of ARL’s funding arrives in December – now is a critical time to give to ensure we are ready to help animals and the people who love them today and in the new year.

ARL does not receive any government grants or public funding and relies solely on the donations of individuals like you to keep animals happy and healthy– YOU make our important work possible. 

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It’s Wicked Cold! ARL Reminds Pet Owners to Protect Animals From the Winter Chill

As winter sets in across New England, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) urges pet owners to take essential cold-weather precautions. Frigid temperatures can pose serious risks to the health, safety, and well-being of the pets we love.

Here are some things to keep in mind this season

      1. Prepare your dog for the elements. If you have a longer coat dog, let it grow out for the winter; it will provide warmth and protection from the cold. For shorter coat dogs, sweaters, coats and booties can go a long way to protect your pooch.
      2. Wipe off your dog’s paws and stomach. Sidewalks are treated with a number of chemicals. These chemicals can irritate your dog’s paws, and can be poisonous if ingested. When coming in from the cold, clean and dry your dog’s stomach to keep them healthy and warm!
      3. Keep outdoor trips quick. Bathroom breaks or walks, keep it short and sweet and keep your pets indoors as much as possible.
      4. Never leave your dog alone in a cold car. Many Massachusetts residents are aware that it’s illegal to keep an animal in a hot car, under the same law it’s ALSO illegal to keep your animal in a cold car (Ma. Ch. 140, Section 174F.  (a) A person shall not confine an animal in a motor vehicle in a manner that could reasonably be expected to threaten the health of the animal due to exposure to extreme heat or cold). When going out, leave your animals at home.
      5. Pay attention to your pet’s grooming and health. An animal with a matted coat cannot keep him or herself warm! Long-haired pets especially during heavy periods of shedding, need extra help maintaining a healthy coat. Senior pets also suffer from increased arthritis pain in the cold, so check with your veterinarian on how to keep your pet comfortable.
      6. Keeping Warm During Power Outage. Provide your pets with extra bedding or blankets should the lights go out. For small animals, you can wrap a blanket around the bottom of their enclosure to add warmth but still provide ventilation.

    Additionally, it’s important to keep pets calm. The wind, cold temperatures and potential power outages can cause anxiety not only for us, but for our pets as well. Have plenty of treats and toys on hand to keep them occupied and calm.

    For more winter weather pet safety tips, please visit www.arlboston.org/winter-pet-health

    ARL Caring for Injured Dog Who Needed Emergency Eye Surgery

    Injured dog with bulging eye brought to ARL after being found outside vet clinic in Boston

    The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is caring for a one-year-old inured dog taken in from Boston Animal Care and Control after being found tied to a pole outside a local veterinary clinic and needed emergency surgery to remove an eye that dislodged from its socket.

    Aside from the injury, the dog was very well cared for and ARL believes this is yet another example of a pet owner in crisis not knowing where to turn.

    The dog, named Herbie, was found on December 11 outside of a veterinary clinic in Boston and brought to Boston Animal Care and Control.

    Because he needed immediate medical attention, he was transported to ARL’s Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center where he was assessed.

    His left eye was proptosed, meaning it dislodged from its socket, and needed to be removed surgically due to the severe damage.

    This is not an uncommon injury for a small dog, and typically occurs as the result of trauma i.e. accident.

    Other than the injury to the eye, Herbie is in excellent health, is very friendly, and well-groomed.

     Herbie is healthy and will live a normal life.

    ARL understands many pet owners are struggling and reminds the public that ARL is a resource.

    In 2024 ARL has seen more than 700 animals surrendered due to housing-related issues, which is more than double from 2023.

    Cost of pet care has risen drastically in recent years, and when a medical emergency arises, many pet owners are unable to pay for care, prompting some to make rash decisions, but with the best interest of the animal in mind.

    Any pet owner facing difficulties can access our list of resources and programs including:

    • Accessible wellness care
    • Low-cost spay/neuter surgeries
    • Pet food and supplies
    • Temporary pet housing
    • Free pet behavior help

    URGENT REQUEST: Animals still need you!

    Time is running out and your year-end gift is needed now!

    Rising costs have strained our limited resources – animals and the people who love them need you now.

    Your donation can ensure animals in need have everything they need, including behavioral support, veterinary care, shelter, and adoption services, to help them find safe and loving homes to experience love and joy in the New Year.

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    Press Release: East Boston resident facing a dozen animal cruelty charges

    The following press release was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office

    BOSTON, December 19, 2024 – A 27-year-old man was arraigned today in East Boston BMC on a dozen animal cruelty charges after investigators determined he abused a 10- to 12- month-old German Shepherd over several months, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.

    ARMANI DOSHI, 27, of East Boston was charged with six counts of animal cruelty and six counts of animal cruelty by custodian.

    Judge Debra Delvecchio ordered Doshi held on $100 bail and revoked his bail for 60 days on a pending Chelsea District Court case in which he threatened a judge.

    Doshi will return to court on January 16 for a pre-trial hearing.

    On various dates in September through December, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Department, the Massachusetts State Police and Boston Animal Control received numerous reports regarding abuse and cruel treatment of the female German Shepherd by Doshi.

    Witnesses reported multiple incidents of abuse that had taken place outside of an apartment complex.

    They reported hearing the dog crying throughout the day and reported Doshi walking the dog by holding her in a headlock, causing her to walk on just her hind legs.

    Others reported seeing Doshi lie on the dog’s neck when she barked in public spaces.

    Maintenance in Doshi’s building reported observing bite marks on a door frame, wall, and inside of the door when they were asked to repair a closet in his apartment. The dog was often locked in the closet with no light, food or water.

    Based on the information received, including photos and videos, investigators successfully sought a warrant for Doshi’s arrest.

    The dog was seized this morning by the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

    Hayden, a dog owner, thanked witnesses for reporting the abuse and also thanked members of the Suffolk County Animal Cruelty Task Force for their collaborative work.

    “During the holiday season many pets receive even more attention and affection from the families who love and care for them. But there are always the heartbreaking exceptions, and we will hold people accountable for cruel and abusive behavior whenever we can,” Hayden said.

    Animal Cruelty Task Force

    In January 2024 Hayden created the Suffolk County Animal Cruelty Task Force, a multi-agency initiative aimed at reducing abuse of animals and coordinating efforts to bring abusers to justice. Members include the police and animal control departments in Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop, the Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts Environmental Police, the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture, the Animal Rescue League and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  Those reporting animal abuse should call the ARL hotline at (617) 426-9170 x110 or email cruelty@arlboston.org.

    All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.

    Bonded Canine Odd Couple Seeking Home for the Holidays

    Bonded Chihuahua and American Bulldog are adorable pair

    An unlikely bonded pair of dogs in the care of the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) are seeking a new home for the holidays together.

    Karma, a female 5-year-old American Bulldog, and Gigi, a female 1-year-old Chihuahua, were surrendered from the same home in early November due to a housing situation, and while they were not surrendered as a bonded pair, the two soon forged a powerful bond while in the shelter and are now inseparable.

    Standing side by side or in play mode, the stark contrast in size is comical to some, but the pair are gentle and fun-loving when together, and when play time is over, you can always find them curled up together for nap time.

    They also complement each other with their personalities.

    Karma is more of an introvert, while Gigi is a social butterfly, and together they open up quickly to new experiences, people, and other dogs.

    The pair, who are now spending some time in foster care, will make a wonderful addition to any family, and anyone with room in their heart for not one, but two amazing pups, is encouraged to contact ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center for more information.

    How You Can Help

    When you make your year-end gift today, you can help make sure animals like Karma and Gigi get everything they deserve this holiday season.

    Your generosity means you can be there for animals, every step of the journey home, as long as it takes.

    From transports from overcrowded shelters or emergency rescues, to veterinary care, enrichment and  behavior training, and finally adoption – you make it all possible.

    2,555+ animals in need have already found homes this year. Will you make a year-end gift to help two more?

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    ARL Speaks Up for Animals

    The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL)’s Advocacy Department collaborates with other ARL programs and community groups to improve the lives of animals. ARL engages in advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels; although the majority of focus is on state-wide legislation in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has a lengthy legislation session compared to many states and bills filed in January 2023 can be considered through the end of December 2024.

    Below you can find successes from the current session and ways to get involved in 2025.

    Jump to: Local Level Wins   |   Looking to 2025   |   How You Can Help

    2023-2024 State Level Wins

    Regulation of Pet Daycare and Boarding Facilities
    For years, the only statewide standard for pet daycare boarding and facilities has been that they be “sanitary and humane”. While there are responsible and safe facilities, consumers have had to do their own research with limited local oversight. Sadly, this has resulted in injury and death of pets at these facilities. In late 2020, a puppy named Ollie was severely mauled at a pet daycare facility. Although there have been efforts for additional oversight at these facilities for years, this tragedy spurred a varied group of stakeholders to work together to file “Ollie’s Law”.

    Finally signed into law in September 2024, Ollie’s Law will create specific standards for these facilities and create clear requirements for enforcement. While regulations are being created, ARL still recommends that pet parents look to our Board Safely® checklist to determine if facilities are right for them.

    Preventing Animal Cruelty in Entertainment
    Efforts have been ongoing for over two decades to end the use of exotic animals in traveling acts in Massachusetts. Traveling animal acts are cruel to animals involved and dangerous to human health and safety. Due to public pressure, many circuses and other traveling acts have moved away from using exotic animals in their shows. Despite this, there are still acts that have brought these animals to Massachusetts in recent years. In August 2024, a ban on exotic animals—including elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears—was signed into law. This law will ensure that Massachusetts continues to seek humane treatment for all animals within its borders.

    The Link: Pets and Families
    Animals are truly a member of our families. We know that The Link between cruelty to animals and cruelty to humans means these acts often occur together. Since 2004, Department of Children and Families (DCF) employees and contractors have able to report animal cruelty. However, this was limited to a short-time frame at the beginning of an investigation. Additionally, previous Department policy put high burdens on certain potential DCF foster homes, requiring often insurmountable burdens for homes that had dogs who were identified as certain breeds (pit bulls, rottweilers, german shepherds). ARL has heard from many prospective DCF foster parents over the years who were heartbroken to find out that their homes were likely to be deemed unfit because of their family dog’s appearance, without regard for the individual animal’s temperament. Although safety of these children is paramount, dog breed alone is not an adequate determination of animal behavior.

    An Act promoting animal welfare and further regulating the reporting of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect was signed into law in October 2024. This law allows for reporting by DCF employees and contractors at any time, ensuring safety for both pets and people. Further, it requires that dogs in potential foster homes be evaluated without regard to their breed. These small changes have the potential to help animals and people across Massachusetts.

    In June 2024, An Act to prevent abuse and exploitation was signed into law. Among many important provisions, it updated the definition of abuse to include “coercive control”, including both violence against pets and threats of violence against pets. Expanding this legal definition reflects an understanding of The Link and the importance of considering animals as part of families.

    Massachusetts Homeless Animal Fund
    Created in 2012, The Fund provides for spay/neuter for in-need animals across Massachusetts. Vouchers are distributed through local Animal Control, providing spay/neuter and preventative care for both owned and unowned animals. Funded in part by tax donations on Line 33F on Massachusetts State Taxes, ARL has also advocated for the Legislature to provide funding. In both 2023 and 2024, the state budget included $100,000 for The Fund.

    Hunting and Trapping
    Every session there are efforts to remove the ban on Sunday hunting, allow for additional types of hunting practices, and loosen restrictions on trapping. This session, ARL was able to continue to protect wildlife and these bills did not advance.

    Local Level Wins: Pet Stores

    ARL has supported a statewide ban on pet stores at both the state and local level. This session is the first that the statewide ban advanced out of committee, although it did not advance further. Municipal efforts to ban pet stores have been much more successful. In 2023 and 2024, pet store bans were passed in Arlington, Brookline, and North Andover. Additionally, Boston added guinea pigs to their pet store ordinance in 2023. ARL will continue to work with local level leaders to support these bans, in conjunction with statewide efforts.

    Looking to 2025

    Representatives must be sworn in, and the process starts anew. Legislators can file a bill at any point in the 2-year session, but most bills will be filed in January.

    ARL is currently working with legislators to refile legislation on a number of topics, including updating animal cruelty laws, protecting animals from convicted abusers, banning the sale of animals at new pet stores, protecting wildlife, increasing pet friendly housing, and many other efforts to improve animal welfare in Massachusetts.

    How You Can Help

    One of the most important considerations for elected officials in advancing legislation is interest from their constituents. Animal advocates like you play a critical role in making sure that the legislature is hearing about the issues that are important to them. No matter your level of interest or experience, there are many ways to get involved:

    Learn about ARL’s Legislative Agenda
    ARL puts together a Legislative Agenda for each session to determine which bills to prioritize. ARL Advocacy will be providing updates regarding the contents of ARL’s Agenda, as well as why these bills are important. You can find ARL’s 2023-2024 Agenda here, and the 2025-2026 Agenda will be live in late-January 2025.

    Ask your legislator to co-sponsor legislation
    One thing that helps advance bills is for legislators to add their name through “co-sponsoring”. With over 7,000 bills filed each session, legislators often rely on constituents to determine which bills they will put their name on. This will happen in January and February. Stay tuned for an email with ARL’s finalized Legislative Agenda and some tips on reaching out to your legislators.

    Testify on a bill
    Each bill in Massachusetts gets a hearing with the opportunity for public comment. People can come in person to testify, testify virtually, or submit written comments. Hearings start in late Spring 2025 and will continue through early 2026.

    Lobby your legislators throughout the session
    ARL partners with other animal welfare organizations to host an annual Lobby Day for Animals at the State House in Boston. This is an opportunity to meet other animal advocates, hear about priority legislation, and meet with your legislator’s offices. Aside from this in-person opportunity, outreach to legislators can look like emails, phone calls, and even snail mail.

    To get Advocacy-specific updates, please register today. For questions on ARL’s Advocacy Department, reach out to advocacy@arlboston.org

    Join ARL’s Holiday Card Shuffle and Spread Some Holiday Cheer!

    Add a little surprise to your holiday season with ARL’s Holiday Card Shuffle!

    Join in the fun and receive a one-of-a-kind mystery card featuring something unexpected—but always animal-themed!

    Whether you’re sending it to yourself or surprising a loved one, your card could be:

    – Cute and heartwarming!
    – Hilariously silly!
    – Totally confusing (in the best way)!

    The only thing we can promise? It’s guaranteed to have a fun animal twist!

    From quirky designs to adorable or funny animal photos, each card is uniquely crafted to bring a smile to your face—while supporting the animals in need.

    How it works

    For a $25 donation or more, you’ll receive one mystery holiday card, sent either to you or directly to someone special (your choice!)

    It’s the perfect way to add a little festive fun to your holiday season—and make a difference for animals at the same time!

    Give the gift of laughter, joy, and surprise—and give back to animals in need. Don’t wait to shuffle up some holiday cheer – we only have a limited number of cards!

    Get my mystery card!

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    Rescued Cat from Tree Reunited with Owner

    Rescued cat stuck in tree for four days

    A worried cat owner was recently reunited with their pet after the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) safely rescued the cat who had been stuck in a tree for four days.

    ARL’s Field Services Department received the call just before Thanksgiving about a cat who had been in a tree for about four days in the Upham’s Corner neighborhood in Dorchester, and with concerns for the cat being in a precarious position without food, water and having to endure frigid overnight temperatures, ARL responded quickly to the scene.

    The cat had perched itself on a limb about 30 feet off the ground, and an ARL Field Services agent was able to scale the tree and by talking calmly to the cat and offering him food, was able to lure him close enough to safely be corralled and placed into a carrier for the return trip to solid ground.

    Neighbors had seen the cat previously, but did not know if anyone owned him, and he was then transported to ARL’s Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center for a medical evaluation and signs of ownership.

    Thankfully the cat, named Fats, was microchipped, and it turned out his owner is a client of ARL’s Wellness Waggin’, a mobile veterinary clinic offering low-cost, high-quality pet wellness services in several Greater Boston communities, including Dorchester.

    Fats had been microchipped on the Wellness Waggin’ in 2022, making it easy for ARL to contact his owner.

    The owner was overwhelmed with joy that Fats had been rescued and was safe.

    She had been searching for him for several days, and had even heard him meowing during one of her searches, however, she did not realize that the sound had been coming from above her!

    Fats is just one of many cats ARL rescues from precarious situations like this annually, and also reminds the public that microchipping your cat and dog greatly increases the likelihood of a happy reunion should the animal go missing.

    A microchip is a tiny computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice that is programmed with an identification number unique to your pet.

    It is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and lasts the life of your pet with no maintenance required.

    ARL’s Field Services Department provides technical (tree climbing and swift/ice water) and non-technical rescues for injured domestic animals, livestock, and raptors (turkey vultures, ospreys, hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls), and anyone in need of assistance can contact ARL’s Field Services Hotline at (617) 426-9170 x563.

    Supporting Vital Services

    As the year comes to a close, you have the power to make a life-changing difference for animals in need like Fats. Your support helps provide ARL’s Field Services with the tools, training and resources to save animals like Fats who find themselves in precarious situations.

    Donate today and help us start the new year with hope, love, and brighter futures for the animals who need us most.

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    DOUBLE Your Impact This Giving Tuesday

    Giving Tuesday is a global day for giving to causes that are nearest and dearest to your heart.

    We’re feline extra excited because you have a chance to make DOUBLE the impact!

    Thanks to some fur-tastic supporters—ARL’s Board of Directors, our President & CEO, and Friends of ARL—your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $173,950 until midnight on 12/3.

    Your gift, made before midnight tomorrow will do twice the good by:

      • Healing sick or injured animals
      • Keeping pets and people together
      • Protecting animals from cruelty and neglect across Massachusetts

    Your support will be paws-itively life-changing!

    Giving Tuesday and the match comes at a critical time for all the animals in our care and they need you now, more than ever before

    There are so many ways to give that are eligible for the match – from donor-advised funds (DAFs) to qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) to stock to cryptocurrencies and more! Contact Jackie for assistance or to initiate your gift.

    Prefer to give by check? Mail to Animal Rescue League of Boston, ATTN: Giving Tuesday, 10 Anna’s Place, Dedham, MA 02026

    Need assistance or want to donate over the phone? Call us Monday through Friday at (617) 426-9170 x603.

    Thank you Giving Tuesday Match sponsors!

    Anonymous, Edward Bradstreet, Kathy Burdon, Barbara Burg & Priscilla Golding, David & Lisa Cawley, Craig Davis & Steve Vondran, Grace & Ted Fey, Ellen & Gilbert Forest, Rich Kelly & Carol Akerson, Dr. Holly Kelsey, Walter & Lee Kenyon, Drs. Cynthia & William Kettyle, Renee Knilans, Laura L’Abbe, Lee Ann & Michael Leahy, Rod & Barbara Macdonald, Malcolm McDonald & Susan Passoni, Kelly & Brian McKernan, Kate Merritt, Mary Nee & James Chapin, Tara & Christophe Oliver, Nadine Pellegrini & Douglas Stoddart, Alisa Plazonja, Arthur & Paula Rabe, Heather & Park Ridill, José Rodriguez-Villalobos & Christopher Lapan, Sydney Rosen & The Mike and Toni Rosen Family Fund, Denise Saltojanes & Dr. Stephen Spiegelberg, Dr. Edward Schettino, Jane & Andrew Urban, Bill Whelan & Megan Gates.