Friends of Animal Care & Control (FACCs), a non-profit 501(c)(3) with the mission to end euthanasia of adoptable pets by raising funds to support Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, is seeking animal heroes to be honored at the 7th Annual PetSmart Hero Awards Gala on Saturday, October 24, 2009. The fundraising event is presented by My Sister’s Closet/My Sister’s Attic, a luxury designer consignment boutique, and will pay special recognition to animals that have shown courage and strength in a time of crisis, provide a service to the community, or who have risked or sacrificed of themselves for another.
"FACC’s looks forward once again to honoring these deserving animal heroes," says Ann Damiano, Hero Awards Chairwoman and FACCs board member. "We encourage anyone to nominate pets for this special honor so they can be recognized as symbols of the positive impact that animals have in our lives."
The public is invited to submit nominations for animals that they feel have proven themselves to be a Hero within our community. To nominate a hero animal that has acted to protect or save a life, performed services to benefit the community, or overcome devastating circumstances to survive and thrive, email mgable@azfaccs.org. Nominations are due by August 15, 2009. Each Hero will be awarded a medallion designed by Valley jeweler, Cornelis Hollander.
Last year’s Hero’s included: Indy, a highly skilled service dog for a young man with Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy; Sadie, a certified arson K9 with the Phoenix Fire Department; Toffee, a Siberian Husky who lost her leg due to a horrific act of domestic violence; and Torsten, a cat with a ruptured eye and other severe injuries, who was found wandering the streets of Phoenix.
The 2009 Hero Awards will be held at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix. The event features dinner, silent and live auctions, and the Hero Ceremony. For information on how you can attend the 2009 Hero Awards, or for sponsorship opportunities, email mgable@azfaccs.org or call (602) 840-2843. Proceeds from the Hero Awards will benefit Friends of Animal Care & Control in its efforts to help homeless pets in Maricopa County.