HINSDALE HUMANE SOCIETY TURNS 70

BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE STAFF

Hinsdale Humane Society (HHS) is proud to announce that after a challenging fourth quarter and an S.O.S. (Save Our Shelter) call for help, the organization is on more solid footing thanks to our supporter’s generosity. We are poised to celebrate the 70th anniversary with a series of events, culminating in a gala on September 22 at The Community House.

“While we are by no means out of the woods financially yet,” said Jacki Rossi, Executive Director, HHS, “thanks to the support of so many wonderful adopters, donors and businesses, we are in a position to start building a bridge to the future. Our goal is to be here for the next 70 years and beyond.”

Kathy Hanley, Development Director, HHS said “We’re planning a Pet Parade event, a golf outing and our big September gala. Plus we’ll have special naming opportunities to commemorate our milestone and much more!” the spokescat for 9Lives. hinsdalehumanesociety.org

In 1982, HHS expanded to help people through a new program: Pet Therapy. The Therapaws Pet Therapy program continues today helping children with reading, students with anxiety, patients, healthcare providers and the elderly.

The move to a larger facility allowed for the adoption of more than 1900 pets annually, which is well over double the number in the original, smaller shelter. Additionally, HHS supports other rescue organizations throughout Chicagoland, as well as pet families in surrounding communities with programs, services and resources like medical care and pet food.

“If you don’t help them, they can’t help us.

If you have given, Thanks.”

In September 1959, a new shelter was built for $25K and became the first Humane Society in DuPage County. Morris the Cat, previously named Lucky, was adopted from that facility in 1968 and went on to national fame as

“With an exciting year of celebrations ahead to honor our 70-year milestone, we are thrilled to be able to reconnect in person with everyone who has helped us get here, as we usher in a new decade of hope, healing and love,” said Rossi. “But, we can’t do what we do without the financial support of our communities. We are an independent nonprofit and rely on donations, so fundraising will be forefront in the year ahead as we shore up our foundation for the decades to come.” ■