HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 12-13-2016 - 4-a - Resolution to Honor Pat Sanford and Recognition of the Recipient of Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: December 13, 2016
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Resolution to Honor Pat Sanford and Recognition of the Recipient of Pat Sanford
Animal Welfare Grant
DEPARTMENT: Orange County Animal Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Resolution Honoring Pat Sanford Bob Marotto, Animal Services Director,
Award Certificate for PetPalsNC 919-968-2287
Maureane Hoffman, Animal Services
Advisory Board Chair, 919-286-6925
Molly Mullin, 517-630-6029
PURPOSE: To adopt a resolution honoring Pat Sanford for her life's work in the interest of
animal welfare; and to recognize Pet Pals, Inc. as the recipient of the first annual Pat Sanford
Animal Welfare Grant.
BACKGROUND: Animal Services submitted a memo to the Board of County Commissioners
dated August 12, 2016 informing the Board about an earmarked donation of $5,000 to be used
to establish an animal welfare grant honoring Pat Sanford. This grant would be awarded in the
$500 increments over a 10-year period to organizations or individuals working to better the lives
of companion animals in Orange County, including for recreational or therapeutic purposes.
Ms. Sanford's accomplishments in the field of animal welfare are vast and her contributions
helped Orange County become and remain one of the leading counties in the state and country
for animal placement, recovery, and overall well-being. The grants awarded in her honor will
support efforts that exemplify the same dedication and commitment to animal welfare in Orange
County.
Upon receiving the memo in August, two Board members petitioned that a resolution be
developed for adoption by the Board honoring Pat Sanford's life and accomplishments in the
field of animal welfare. Subsequently, Animal Services staff developed a resolution, seeking
input from people who worked with Sanford during her 17-year tenure as the Executive Director
of Orange County Animal Protection Services.
During this time, staff also advertised the grant opportunity and encouraged applications. The
grant has been awarded to PetPalsNC, Inc., after review by a panel consisting of three Animal
Services Advisory Board members and two Animal Services staff members. PetPalsNC is a
local nonprofit organization committed to promoting and supporting the use of animal-assisted
therapy and activities for students to enhance academic, social, behavior, and emotional growth.
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PetPalsNC uses such therapy as a way to teach compassion and sensitivity toward dogs and
other animals, demonstrate positive training skills, and teach safe and responsible behavior
around animals. The grant funds for this year's award will go toward supplies that will aid in
achieving these goals and expand visibility in schools throughout the County, including dog
bandanas and supply bags for handlers to use for educational materials.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no direct financial impact associated with this item. Funds for
the grant come from an earmarked donation that Animal Services received through the
Community Giving Fund. This donation was made in the amount of $5,000 and will be
distributed over the course of 10 years for this purpose. Animal Services has also listed the
grant under the Community Giving Fund for additional donations that may sustain it longer or
increase the amount of the annual award.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal applicable to this
item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt and authorize the
Chair to sign the resolution honoring Pat Sanford and also recognize Pet Pals as the recipient of
the first annual Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant.
RES-2016-080 3
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION HONORING PAT SANFORD
WHEREAS, Pat Sanford contributed tirelessly to animal welfare in Orange County and beyond
for many decades, benefiting the people and animals greatly; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Sanford served as Executive Director for the Orange County Animal
Protection Society [APS] for 17 years, retiring in 2002; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Sanford worked to construct a new building for APS and worked to expand it
several times afterward; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Sanford implemented sterilization of adopted animals to fight pet
overpopulation in Orange County; and
WHEREAS, the APS received the Standards of Excellence Award for facilities and staff in 1992,
the first in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Sanford worked to form partnerships with wildlife experts in Orange County
and implemented the first low-cost spay/neuter program; and
WHEREAS Mrs. Sanford worked to change dog fighting in North Carolina from a misdemeanor
to a felony; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Sanford secured donations of land and monies for APS (now Paws4Ever) that
would fund the creation of its Mebane adoption facility, on-site veterinary clinic, dog park, and
training center; and
WHEREAS, after retirement, Mrs. Sanford went on to serve animals in various other ways,
including as a member of the Animal Services Advisory Board for several years; and
WHEREAS, Orange County Animal Services created a grant in her honor in 2016, to be
awarded for a minimum of ten years to organizations or persons showing the same dedication
to animal welfare causes that she did during her life's work;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners, on
behalf of County officials and employees and the residents of Orange County, hereby
commends Pat Sanford for her innumerable contributions to improve the quality of living in
Orange County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners
expresses its sincerest appreciation, gratitude and respect to Pat Sanford for her lifetime of
service.
This the 13th day of December, 2016.
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
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This certificate is awarded to
PETPALsNC
tow,
Congratulations on receiving the 2016 Pat Sanford
f Animal Welfare Grant for Orange County, NC.
Receiving this award shows significant recognizable
contributions to the field of animal welfare.
AL