Franklin’s Friends Expands Animal Welfare Grants Effort

by Rick · October 2, 2019

Franklin’s Friends is expanding their scope to consider grant applications from nonprofit and government animal welfare agencies in Brevard, Polk, and Hillsborough counties. This is in addition to the counties that they currently serve – Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia, and Lake.

Franklin’s Friends is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support Central Florida animal welfare by fundraising for local nonprofit and government agencies that are dedicated to Shelter/Rescue, Spay/Neuter, or Community Education projects. Founded in 2003 by two UCF graduates – Drs. Monisha Seth and Anthony Douglas – in honor of their rescued hound Franklin, Franklin’s Friends has raised over $1.5 million for local animal welfare. They raise money primarily through two signature events – the HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Walk-a-Thon and Canine Costume Contest and the spring gala called “Unleashed. Uncorked. Unframed.” Through a rigorous application process, these funds are then granted to deserving local animal welfare agencies.

Prior grant recipients include Partnership for Paws, Husky Haven, Way Home Inc., Sophie’s Circle, The Pixel Fund, Happy Trails Animal Rescue, Spay the Strays, Chi Chi’s Rescue Ranch, Daytona Beach German Shepherd Rescue, Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, RAIN (Rescuing Animals in Need), Osceola County Animal Services, TEARS of Seminole County, SpayNSave, South Lake Animal League, Poodle and Pooch Rescue, Hound Haven, and ARNI Foundation.

“We are so excited to have reached the point where we are able to expand and award grants in neighboring counties. Thank you to our supporters for helping us reach this milestone,” said Franklin’s Friends’ Board member Steve Butler.

Franklin’s Friends’ next event will be the sixth annual HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Walk-a-Thon and Canine Costume Contest on October 26, 2019 from 9 a.m until noon at Secret Lake Park in Casselberry. Denise Ryan of 98.9 WMMO will emcee. There will be a leisurely dog walk, doggie costume contest, adoptable dogs, raffles, music, pet-friendly vendors, and much more! Prizes will be awarded to top individual and team fundraisers as well as to costume contest winners. Registration is $20 per person in advance; $25 at the door; or FREE if you raise $100. Registration and additional information at www.franklinsfriends.dojiggy.com.

AdventHealth, 98.9 WMMO and Community Corner, LLC are major sponsors of the event.