Donor Spotlight: Julie and Mike Cicalese

Julie and Mike Cicalese refer to the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) as a “modern day Noah’s ark”, a place where comprehensive care is provided to all animals in need.

They praise ARL for thinking beyond the shelter model by providing communitybased services that keep pets healthy, such as the Spay Waggin’ and Wellness Waggin’. As dedicated animal lovers, Mike and Julie find this full-circle approach effective and admirable, and this is just one of the reasons they are inspired to support ARL.

Though they are loyal donors, their connection to ARL extends beyond financial support. Mike first learned of ARL while he was recovering from a debilitating illness that left him fighting for his life. Mike sought out a canine companion, and he found Duke at the Brewster location in 1998.

The Doberman-Shepherd mix gave Mike the motivation he needed to get out of bed every day. Simply put, Duke saved Mike’s life. He was Mike’s introduction to the world of companion animals and provided constant support during his recovery.

Mike Cicalese with his first ARL adoptee, Duke.

The Cicalese’s have welcomed many shelter animals over the years, including foster pets, but Duke remains a shining example of the power of the human-animal bond.

As members of the President’s Council and the Anna Harris Smith Legacy Society, Mike and Julie recognize that sustaining ARL’s multifaceted approach to animal welfare relies on the generosity of our community. By committing to gifts during and after their lifetime, the Cicalese’s help ensure that ARL’s community efforts can continue, pets can stay with the people who love them, and animals in need will always have a strong advocate.

Now both retired, they work to circulate kindness and compassion whenever possible. Julie serves on the Board of Art in Giving, a program whose profits benefit childhood cancer research. Mike is a retired Captain for the Coast Guard, which operates under a mission of selflessness for others and writes for the Belmont Citizen Herald.

Julie and Mike credit their philanthropy to the example of generosity and guidance set by their hard-working loved ones and parents. Julie’s mother raised six children nearly on her own, yet made time to volunteer at a women’s shelter. She led by example, always treating others with dignity and respect. Mike also came from humble beginnings and remembers his family coming together to support each other in times of need. Today, they strive to do for others what was done for them, and intend their support of ARL will do just that.

To learn more about the many ways you can support the animals you love, visit arlboston.org/donate