Public Invited to Humaneitarian Awards Ceremony on April 15

Willamette Humane Society invites the public to attend the 2015 Humaneitarian Awards Ceremony, presented by Capitol Subaru, and sponsored by Salem Electric!  All are welcome to attend and support the local heroes of our community who provide compassionate services to pets and people.  Each nominee will be recognized for their work, followed by the presentation of awards and a social reception.  Dessert, tea and coffee will be served, compliments of Roth’s Fresh Markets.  RSVP not required. 

Wednesday, April 15, 2015 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm * Pringle Hall, 606 Church St SE, Salem

2015 Nominees:

·   Al Bessol, WHS volunteer and feral cat trapper.

·   Kathi Buchta, Meow Village volunteer and foster mom.

·   Harmony Crosby, WHS volunteer and dog walker.

·   Tom Halsey, WHS volunteer, dog walker, former board member, animal transporter, Project Fence leader and fundraiser.

·   Dr. Jacque Harter, shelter contract veterinarian for Willamette Humane Society, Marion County Dog Control, and Heartland Humane Society.

·   Corinne Hashenberger, WHS volunteer, foster parent, and pet recovery specialist.

·   Karen Hilfiker, Marion County Dog Control Officer and Veterinary Technician

·   Nina Kraft, WHS volunteer and Humane-a-Teen

·   Alina Miller, WHS volunteer and dog walker

·   Lee Nichols, WHS volunteer and Behavior & Training Instructor

·   Idi Vargas, Founder and Administrator of Lost & Found Pets of Salem

·   Diane Young, Founder of Salem Dogs Rescue 

Awards:

·   The Humaneitarian Award recognizes a person who exemplifies Willamette Humane Society’s mission of providing compassionate services to pets and people in a volunteer capacity.  The recipient will receive a hand-cast bronze sculpture by artist Calvin Stinger.

·   The Golden Paw Award recognizes significant work or deeds for animals, performed as a paid professional.

·   The Young Paw Award recognizes a young adult’s actions to help animals, considered for nominees under 18.

·   The Volunteer of the Year Award honors a current WHS volunteer for their exemplary service. 

Past award recipients include Denise Smith, Animal Advocate; Dr. Sheri Morris, Dr. Mark Stoenner & Juan Lopez of Willamette Valley Animal Hospital; Michelle Blake of Fences for Fido; Martha Russell, Adopt-An-Oregon-Dog Blogger; Marsha Chambers of Hope’s Haven; Dr. Arlene Brooks of the Last Chance Club; Betty Emerson of Willamette Humane Society and the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon; and WHS volunteers Monte & Barb Turner. 

Willamette Humane Society (WHS) was founded in 1965 by local civic leaders to serve Marion and Polk Counties, Oregon. In 2013-2014, Willamette Humane Society provided compassionate services to 8,804 pets and 61,740 people.  WHS offers pet adoption services, shelters surrendered or homeless cats and dogs, teaches responsible pet care, behavior and training -- and reduces pet over-population through its low-cost Spay and Neuter Clinic. WHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on donor support and fees to accomplish its mission. It is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and includes a 37 FTE member staff, and 980+ volunteers. For more information about Willamette Humane Society, visit whs4pets.org.