News
RENO, Nev. (January 10, 2024) – Thanks to a recent generous bequest, the Nevada Humane Society (NHS), a nonprofit animal shelter servicing northern Nevada, is launching its Hope Fund, which will support medical needs above and beyond what the Nevada Humane Society can typically perform. This fund has been made possible because of a $135,000 bequest from the late Wayne and Terri Thomas, which serves as the financial cornerstone of this lifesaving initiative.
The Hope Fund began on January 5, 2024, establishing funds that can be applied to medical care for animals at NHS facilities that are out of the ordinary. These include, but are not limited to, cancer treatments, complex surgeries, and longer, more sensitive rehabilitation efforts. The Hope Fund is part of NHS’ recent strategy to find more ways to safely adopt animals in the northern Nevada community, especially as the region and the country, experience rising shelter capacity rates.
“We are profoundly grateful for Wayne and Terri’s extraordinary gift, which serves as a beacon of hope for animals in our care and expresses his compassion and love for animals,” expressed CEO Jerleen Bryant. “Their unwavering dedication to animal welfare has empowered us to establish this fund, increasing the essential medical treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitative care we can provide to needy animals.”
In the last six months, the nonprofit has seen an upward trend in the number of animals being voluntarily surrendered and, ultimately, ending up in the care of NHS. In 2023, it successfully adopted 8,665 animals.
The Hope Fund gives the team broader capabilities to improve the health of the animals while reducing barriers to adoption.
“This bequest comes at a critical time when shelters across the country are working to rehome a staggering amount of animals,” said Bryant. “The Hope Fund comes at a time when these animals need more hope, and more kindness, and the Nevada Humane Society is excited that Wayne and Terri Thomas’ legacy of compassion will save countless animal – and human – lives. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to them and invite the community to expand the reach of the Hope Fund if they, too, are passionate about saving lives.”
To donate and honor Wayne and Terri Thomas’s legacy while supporting this crucial cause, please visit the Nevada Humane Society’s donation page or contact the organization directly.
To learn more about NHS, visit www.nevadahumanesociety.org. For media inquiries, contact Rachel Gattuso, APR at rachel@gattusocoalition.com or (775) 336-9453.
