Banfield's New Charitable Trust Makes First Donation of $35,250 to AAVMC (October 27, 2003)
Portland, OR ~ The Banfield Charitable Trust, a new non-profit foundation created by Banfield, The Pet Hospital®, has awarded a grant of $35,250 to the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) in support of their research project to analyze data identifying the skills, knowledge, aptitude and attitude necessary for career success in veterinary medicine.
Lonnie King, DVM, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University, accepted the Banfield Charitable Trust donation on behalf of AAVMC president Peter Eyre during the Banfield Educational Symposium, held in Portland Oct. 12-16, 2003. The event helped introduce the Banfield Charitable Trust to more than 300 of Banfield's 800 doctors in attendance at the five-day symposium.
Popular celebrity author and veterinarian Marty Becker, DVM, first helped introduce the Charitable Trust to veterinary leaders at Banfield's Industry Summit in September, where a fundraising auction raised $23,000. Of this total, Dr. Becker's contribution of eight cases of personally autographed books, including the bestseller Chicken Soup For the Cat and Dog Lovers' Soul, brought in $8,800.
The Banfield Charitable Trust was founded to give back to families in communities served by Banfield, The Pet Hospital, and to help advance veterinary medicine. The Charitable Trust also supports childhood education about caring for Pets, and supports programs at veterinary schools. The IRS has recognized the Banfield Charitable Trust as a 501©(3) public charity that is tax exempt. All donations are tax deductible.
"The mission of the Trust is to take what Banfield already is doing for Pets and families beyond the walls of the hospital into the communities," said Sandy Campbell, President of the Banfield Charitable Trust. "We believe we can make a difference in the future for Pets, families and veterinary medicine."
Since Dr. Campbell and his wife Sandy purchased the original Banfield Pet Hospital and Health Center in Portland in 1986, Banfield has become the largest private veterinary practice in the world with more than 340 high-quality, general practice hospitals in the United States and the United Kingdom. With more than 800 veterinarians in the U.S. and the U.K., from more than 60 veterinary schools, Banfield is in a unique position to help shape the future of veterinary medicine.
"Our team members are excited about the Banfield Charitable Trust because they have been wanting to do something like this for a long time," said Sandy Campbell. "We are grateful for the opportunity to help more Pet owners in need through the tax-deductible contributions of community members, businesses, team members and clients."
Banfield, The Pet Hospital is committed to giving Pets the same quality of care that human family members receive. Banfield hospitals provide comprehensive, quality medical services, state-of-the-art instrumentation, computerized medical records, Pet health Optimum Wellness Plans® and extended operating hours. Banfield, The Pet Hospital helps extend the lives of more than 2.5 million Pets each year.
For more information about The Banfield Charitable Trust contact Dana Peterson, Public Relations Specialist, at 503-345-5597, or dana.peterson@banfield.net.