PHILANTHROPIST JEAN SHAFIROFF ANNOUNCES AMERICAN HUMANE COVID 19 FUND RAISES ONE MILLION

 

Jean Shafiroff

 American Humane, the nation’s first national humane organization, today announced that their Feed the Hungry COVID-19 fund reached its goal of raising $1 million to feed a million animals in need. The program was launched to feed and care for animals across the country who were abandoned during the coronavirus crisis. Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, who is an American Humane board member, has been the national spokesperson for the Feed the Hungry campaign and has hosted several fundraisers since its launch. While helping raise funds, Jean also donated generously to the cause and has appeared on national television programs numerous times for interviews promoting the campaign.

“Hundreds of thousands of animals face abuse, neglect and homelessness in the face of crises and natural disasters,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “When the deadly coronavirus pandemic hit, and threatened the lives of both people and animals, American Humane sprang into action to protect and help our best friends in what would soon prove to be their worst times. Like every other business or organization in America, rescues and shelters were, and still are, struggling to maintain basic services and care for their animal residents.”

 “I am honored to stand by American Humane and call attention to the critical need to help pets across the country,” said Jean Shafiroff. “Animals will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I am grateful that we reached our goal of one million meals, making a tremendous difference for animals that are struggling throughout the nation. Thank you to all who supported this worthy cause.”

Although shelters in big cities across the United States reported high adoption numbers, rural shelters were instead seeing an influx of animals as pet owners struggled with the financial impacts of COVID-19 as well as the illness itself. Thousands of animals were being left without homes and facilities were in desperate need of general supplies. In response, through the Feed the Hungry COVID-19 fund, American Humane provided 109 grants to shelters and rescue organizations across 43 states, supplying one million meals to homeless animals.

Now that Americans are transitioning back to the office after more than a year of remote work, shelters are reporting increases in owner surrenders.

“Although life is returning to a sense of normalcy and we reached our goal of providing one million meals, animal shelters and rescue organizations are stretched thin and still need our help,” said Dr. Ganzert. “These animals rely on humane groups to provide lifesaving shelter and relief from the dire circumstances they face. We hope animal lovers everywhere will continue to support our efforts in helping to feed and protect more of our precious furry friends.”

 With more than 91 cents of every dollar spent going directly to programs, American Humane has earned Charity Navigator’s highest “Four-Star Rating” three times in a row, has been named a “Top-Rated Charity” with an “A” rating by both the American Institute of Philanthropy’s CharityWatch and Great Nonprofits, and was awarded the gold level seal from GuideStar USA. The organization has also earned the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence, was awarded inclusion on Better Business Bureau’s prestigious Wise Giving Alliance Accredited Charities list and was designated as a “Best Charity” by Consumer Reports.

About American Humane:

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Jean Shafiroff:

Jean Shafiroff is a philanthropist, humanitarian, TV host, writer, and the author of the book "Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give". Jean is often referred to as "the first lady of philanthropy" by the press because of her generosity and extensive work as a volunteer fundraiser and leader in the philanthropic world. She serves on the boards of many charitable organizations and each year chairs upwards of eight different charity galas. Among the many causes she champions are those involved in women’s rights, rights of the underserved, health care, and animal welfare.

Jean serves on the boards of the American Humane, Southampton Hospital Association, NYC Mission Society, French Heritage Society, Couture Council of the Museum at FIT, Global Strays, and Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board. A Catholic, she served on the board of the Jewish Board for 28 years and now is one of their honorary trustees.

In addition, Jean is an ambassador for American Humane and is the national spokesperson for the organization’s “Feed the Hungry” Covid-19 program, an initiative designed to provide food for 1,000,000 shelter animals.  Jean is the ambassador of the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation and a key donor and volunteer fundraiser for their work. She is a New York Women's Foundation Board Alumna who remains very active with the Foundation and with women's issues in general.

For her philanthropy Jean has been honored many times by groups including the Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, New York City Mission Society, Southampton Animal Shelter, Surgeons of Hope, Al Sharpton's National Action Network, the Ellen Hermanson Foundation, Pet Philanthropy Circle, Animal Zone International, Youth Counselling League, the NYC International Film Festival Foundation, the Jewish Board, and the Hadassah. In December 2020 Dan's Paper named her Philanthropist of the Year at their Long Island Power Women's Award Ceremony.

 Jean is the producer and host of the television show "Successful Philanthropy" which airs six times weekly through LTV studios in East Hampton, NY, as well as in New York City on Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN): Spectrum Channel 34 and 1995, Verizon/FiOS Channel 33, and RCN Channel 82. The show will open in additional markets in 2021. On her TV program Jean interviews an eclectic mix of leaders in the world of philanthropy as well as actors, artists, business and civic leaders, and even a U.S. presidential candidate.

For more information about Jean Shafiroff, please visit: jeanshafiroffofficial.com.

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 Photo Courtesy Of Nick Mele / American Humane

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