Three Reasons to Give to Animal Humane Society

Animal Humane Society Legacy Circle Luncheon
Oct. 10, 2018

By Maggie Moris and Dr. Kent Kokko

Thank you, Melissa. Kent and I are truly happy and honored to be a part of this wonderful initiative. I've got a few simple thoughts to share about what's been accomplished.

I believe—and suspect—we're all here today because of three reasons. The first two are our commitment to companion animals and a belief that our dollars make a difference in their lives—both our current donations and our future contributions. (The third reason I'll save until the end.)

When Melissa first contacted us last winter, she and her team had been brainstorming about how to expand the outreach of the Legacy Circle. We were all in agreement that matching grants have a proven track record of generating energy, enthusiasm and best of all— action. Her plan was simply to appeal to like-minded supporters. But, what was also needed was a nudge.

And so, Kent and I pledged to donate $200 for every newly enrolled Legacy Circle member to help push as many good intentions over the finish line as possible and convert heartfelt promises into concrete pledges.

Matching grants are powerful, aren't they? We've had the great good fortune at AHS Wine Dinners to watch this tool play out in real time with a live audience, an auctioneer and a rallying cry to meet a matching fund challenge. And yes, even though this Legacy Circle initiative would be conducted one-on-one, by phone or by e-mail, the hoped-for results were still the same.

Saying "yes" to Melissa's proposal was an easy decision for the two of us. Early on in our relationship, we made it clear to one another that whatever the future might hold, companion animals would be a tightly knit part of our family. It was a deal-breaker. Offering this challenge grant was a new way to honor our four-legged family members both past and present: Sophie, Jessie, Millie, Grace, Libby, O. Henry, Oliver and Stella.

In addition, whatever our financial situation might be, every year we committed to give some percentage of our money to AHS. This Legacy Circle Challenge was simply a creative version of that same promise—it spoke to our values and reminded me of a lovely poem by Mary Oliver about her dog, Percy.

I Ask Percy How I Should Live My Life
"Love, love, love, says Percy.
And run as fast as you can
Along the shining beach, or the rubble, or the dust.
Then, go to sleep.
Give up your body heat, your beating heart.
Then, trust."

To become a Legacy Circle member is to trust that we are part of a larger, broader story that will continue on long after we're gone, long after we're dust, a story we won't see play out, but that needs us nonetheless.

We are—each and every one of us—part of a strong, collective and fierce expanding circle. This is about who we are and how we hope to be remembered—as people who care and who share. This is about the third reason we gather here to celebrate: love, love, love.

Without further ado, we're delighted to report the addition of 84 new Legacy Circle members, and we present this check for $16,800.00.

If you would like to be a member of the Legacy Circle by making a gift to Animal Humane Society, please contact Alison Schneider at 763-432-4809 or aschneider@animalhumanesociety.org to get started.