pets
Bay Area Couple Donates $2 Million to Humane Society Silicon Valley
Judy and George Marcus’ generous gift will support the organization’s initiatives to save lives and keep families together
MILPITAS, CA /24-7PressRelease/ — Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) yesterday announced a $2 million gift from Honorary Board Member Judy Marcus and her husband, George Marcus, to create the Judy and George Marcus Medical Impact Fund and the Judy and George Marcus Community Development Fund.
“It is our hope that this gift will inspire others to join us in creating a better future for pets and their people.” – Judy Marcus
This gift will support two of HSSV’s strategic priorities – Saving Lives and Keeping Families Together. HSSV saves lives by adopting homeless animals into loving families, partnering with under-resourced shelters to transfer at-risk animals to our community, and providing lifesaving medical and behavioral care to sick and injured animals. To keep families together, HSSV provides pet food, supplies, and veterinary services that make it possible for people facing hardship to keep their pets healthy and safe.
HSSV President Kurt Krukenberg shared, “We are deeply grateful for Judy and George’s incredible investment, which is already making a big difference in the lives of pets and their people. Through the Marcus Medical Impact Fund, we are able to offer lifesaving medical treatment for animals with extensive medical needs. With the support of the Marcus Community Development Fund, HSSV provides low-cost and no-cost veterinary care including mobile wellness clinics in areas of Santa Clara County with the least financial resources.”
Judy said, “I wanted to make a difference, and HSSV programs are helping animals and their families. It is our hope that this gift will inspire others to join us in creating a better future for pets and their people.” Kurt said, “Donors like Judy and George Marcus understand the importance of these programs to families in our community. They make it possible for HSSV to reach the pets and people who need our help the most.”
Judy and George Marcus have a special connection to HSSV that dates back more than two decades. Judy Marcus was first elected to HSSV’s Board of Directors in July 2000. She was instrumental in helping the organization imagine and launch its popular annual gala, The Fur Ball, including her suggestion of the now well-known name. Judy and George financially supported the campaign to build the innovative and state-of-the-art Peter Detkin and Michelle Oates Detkin Animal Community Center in 2009. Over the years, they have remained involved with HSSV as active supporters and generous contributors to its lifesaving mission.
Judy and George are lauded Bay Area civic and business leaders. They met growing up in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill neighborhood. Judy Marcus is a fourth-generation San Franciscan and a former physical education teacher. George M. Marcus is a first-generation American. He is the founder of Marcus & Millichap Company and has been its co-chairman since 1971. Marcus & Millichap is the parent company of a diversified group of real estate, service, investment, and development firms. The couple has four adult children. Judy and George’s family includes three adopted dogs, Pepi, Coco, and Zoe, all of whom are HSSV alums. Among their many animals they have had over the years includes many dogs, roosters, a rabbit, a goat, and even a donkey. As Judy shared, “Pets are the best; they are so happy and excited to see you when you come home. That brings a great joy into your life.”
About Humane Society Silicon Valley
Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is an independent, privately funded, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has served people and pets for over 90 years. In 2017, HSSV became the first organization ever to earn model shelter status according to the guidelines set forth by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians in 2010. As an independent non-profit organization, HSSV does not receive funding from Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA, or state and federal government entities. Established in 1929, HSSV has adopted more than 500,000 animals into permanent, loving homes. HSSV’s mission is to save lives, keep families together, and create a better future for pets and their people. For more information, visit HSSV.org.
Source: Wasabi Publicity, Inc.