One More Smith Animal Rescue and Sanctuary

Dear Friends, Colleagues and Contributors,

This year I turned 42 and most women do not tell their age. But, for me, I don’t mind. My dream came true with the creation of a 501(c) (3) that is fully dedicated to those animals for whom there are few places to turn. This birthday comes with great pride as I think about all of our accomplishments:

• We finished the build out of a medical/isolation room where the veterinarian can come and treat the animals in a sterile and safe environment. This medical room, named Purdy’s Perch, can safely hold 8 animals.
• We finished the extension of the cattery adding another 1,000 square feet of natural habitat for the cat community.
• We participated in two large scale rescues with the ASPCA and Petsmart where we took the sickest of cats from the rescue missions.
• We have been able to paint the insides of all cat residents.
• We were able to invest in new ground mulch to keep the grounds fresh.
• We were able to cut our medical expenses from last year by 25% through the new practices and procedures, the medical room, and the investment in the additional natural space.

Most appeal letters will beg you for money and tug at your heart strings ad show you the worst. But I want to share with you our successes. Last year you all came through for us and with your donations helped us get through half the year and make the investments needed for the future. Those investments made in the facility have allowed the residents to live longer than expected, as a matter of fact, much longer, much happier and with little intervention from us.

Here are the things that are important to know about the investment I am asking you to make into this winning organization.

• 100% of the dollars go to the animals. No administrative costs at all.
• Our community is larger and our expenses are down.
• The average age of an outside cat is 2 years. Our community is 9 years. More than 4 times the average.
• We are relied upon by the greatest, most well established animal organizations in the U.S.

Our goal this year is to raise $75,000 through this appeal and an auction of products that will be available on eBay in time for your Christmas shopping.

In 2010 Food for the animals will cost $30,000, medical cost will be $30,000 (down from $40,000) and electric supply will be $6,000.

Next year we want to change out the cat trees ($5,000), change the ground mulch from 3 times to 4 times (each time $2600) and work to have each cat caught tagged, given shots, and checkups ($100 * 100). These basic improvements will have to wait if we do not hit our goal.

This Thanksgiving we give thanks to you because you opened this letter, because you are part of our network and for your consideration.

Please share in our pride of what One More Smith is and will continue to be. Pride that we have made a small difference, pride that we are a recognized partner of some of the most well respected and well funded rescue groups in the country, pride that our facility runs so efficiently and cost effectively, and pride in each of you who care, our network of supporters and advocates.

Thank you and warmest wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving,
Monica & Amy Smith