Donor Spotlight

Robin’s love for animals began as a child in Brooklyn, when a long-awaited promise from her mother led to her first pet. She was told that her request for a dog would be granted if they ever moved from their apartment into a house, and thanks to a twist of fate, when Robin was 11 years old, her wish came true. Their new home included a new family member — a beagle named Flippy. “That’s where it began,” she recalled. “Flippy’s care was all on me — and I learned beagles sure love to run! But I also learned responsibility.”

Sarah’s passion for cats began early and has only picked up speed. “My family adopted a farm cat who was semi-feral when I was four and I have been obsessed with cats since,” Sarah explained. “By the time I was six, we adopted our second cat, Butchie, who was such a complete mush that he’d even let me dress him up.”

Duff’s Bar in Brooklyn, NY is the kind of place where patrons become family. After renowned musician Peter Steele passed away in 2010 it only made sense that his friends congregated at Duff’s to remember him. Over the years proprietor Jimmy Duff wanted to give the remembrance even more meaning.

Growing up in Texas, Animal League America donor Mary Marecek always had animals around, whether they were dogs, cats, or horses. It was the bond she forged with her cat, Trilby, however, when Mary was only six years old, that really started her appreciation for the unconditional love from pets and the depth of the human-animal connection.

It’s clear that Riley, the newly adopted dog of longtime North Shore Animal League America donor Andrew Williams, is now living the good life. And not just because he is named after a classic British car. While we spoke to Andrew about his commitment to animal rescue, Riley ran and explored a nature trail off leash, getting lots of fresh air and making new friends.

Renowned philanthropist Sandra Atlas Bass has been a vital partner of North Shore Animal League America for decades. Chair of the Lewyt Humane Awards Luncheon, Ms. Bass provides invaluable support to many of our events and initiatives, driven by her deep sense of compassion and belief in our mission. Her desire to make the world a better place includes concern for both animals and people. Most recently, our Long Island community celebrated the opening of the Sandra Atlas Bass Otolaryngology Center, an 18,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, comprehensive care facility in New Hyde Park, NY.

Animal League America is incredibly fortunate to have dedicated supporters who are passionate about animals, and who are drawn to us because of our no-kill mission. Clare Kaberle has been a friend to animals for many years, and recently shared with us the motivation behind her commitment. “I believe it’s our duty to help because they can’t help themselves,” Clare said. “I wish everyone felt that way. Animals bring so much joy to us, how can you not want to do whatever you can to save them?”

Alex MacDonald has fond memories of growing up on Long Island and, in particular, of a wonderful dog named Licorice. “I grew up in Syosset, New York. My father adopted our first dog, Licorice, a one-year-old Labrador Retriever mix from North Shore Animal League America,” recalled Alex

“Since I work for a nonprofit myself, I realize how important it is to support an organization with a real cause that I believe in,” said Larry Grubler, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Transitional Services for New York. “The two causes I truly believe in are helping people with mental health issues and helping animals. I’ve been involved with North Shore Animal League America for many years. I’ve seen the amazing work you do and I have personal experience with the staff.”