May 18, 2015 at 3:41 p.m.
Petco Foundation 'invests' $100,000 in OCHS
Petco Foundation 'invests' $100,000 in OCHS
San Diego-based Petco acquired Drs. Foster and Smith late last year and has made a commitment to keeping the Rhinelander-based pet supply company true to its roots. So when Charlie Piscitello, president of the Petco Foundation, presented the $100,000 grant Saturday night, it was a way for the new owners to help not only the Rhinelander community, but continue the company's mission of working to save as many animals as possible.
After Bria Swartout, director of the OCHS Adoption Center shared two "success stories" of two animals who stayed the shelter on their way to forever homes, demonstrating how the group goes the extra mile to save even the most hard-to-adopt animals, Piscitello stepped to the microphone to speak.
"We think that it is amazing, the work you do saving every animal that you can," he said. "It's really kind of amazing when you think of the work you do."
With the assistance of Lynne Foster, wife of Drs. Foster and Smith co-founder Dr. Race Foster, and Gordon Magee, Internet marketing manager for Drs. Foster and Smith, Piscitello then presented an oversize check to Swartout and OCHS Board President Karla Ortman. The move sparked a standing ovation and many tears among those in attendance.
"I hope it helps," Piscitello added simply.
He said the Petco Foundation does not consider these grants "donations" to a group, rather they are investments in helping successful animal welfare groups of all sizes perform their missions even more successfully.
A visibly shaken Swartout thanked the Petco Foundation on behalf of the staff of the Adoption Center and the OCHS Board of Directors.
"It takes a community to run a Humane Society," she said. "We are glad to have Drs. Fosters and Smith, Petco and the Petco Foundation as a part of our community."
Ortman said she was at a loss for words when the amount of the grant was revealed. She told the audience that the Humane Society has just embarked on a study of everything it does with an eye toward improving efficiency.
"This investment will have a huge impact on those plans," Ortman said.
OCHS Board Member Dave Havel, who served as the emcee for the evening, told the audience that Drs. Foster and Smith is the largest employer in Oneida County. He said he knows from his work on the economic planning group in Oneida County that when Foster and his partner Dr. Marty Smith, were "looking for a suitor" for their business, leaving the operation in Rhinelander was of paramount importance to them. When Petco said they had no intention of moving the business that went a long way toward the finalization of the sale.
"Now their actions speak as loud as their words," Havel said.
In addition to the $50 a plate dinner, which included live music afterward, the fundraiser also featured live auction items, along with silent auctions and raffles for goods donated by area businesses and professionals.
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