February 8, 2007
Contact: RRUFF, Inc., Lisa D’Errico, (978) 429-4059, rruff@rruff.org
PETCO Foundation, Paul Jolly, (626) 287-0952, petcofoundation@petco.com
$2.7
Million Brings RRUFF, Inc. ‘Hope’ for the New Year
PETCO and the PETCO Foundation wrapped up 2006 by raising over $2.7 million through their annual Tree of Hope fundraiser to benefit animal organizations like RRUFF, Inc.
Seventy percent of the funds donated by PETCO’s customers, associates and vendors during the five-week campaing went straight to the more than 4,000 animal organizations PETCO partners with in the communities they share, including RRUFF, Inc. This year, RRUFF, Inc partnered with the PETCO stores at Torrington, CT and Manchester, NH. The remaining thirty percent will be distributed to assist local animals during the balance of the year.
The Foundation believes part of its success in raising money is tied to the fact that donors know their contributions stay in their communities, and it is one of the few pet retail-related fundraising organizations that takes this type of grassroots approach to supporting animal welfare.
Local proceeds from Tree of Hope 2006 will be used by RRUFF, Inc. in order to provide the dogs in the program with the necessary medical care and supplies needed to nurture them until appropriate homes can be found.
“Without the generous funds received from the PETCO Foundation we would not have been able to help several of the dogs that came to us in need and are now safe living with loving and responsible dog owners. With PETCO Foundations continued support, we look forward to not only saving many more Rottweilers, but also educating the public on responsible ownership of this wonderful and misunderstood breed”, said Lisa D’Errico, Director.
For more information on PETCO and the PETCO Foundation or to locate a store near you, visit www.PETCO.com.
PETCO is a leading specialty retailer of premium pet food, supplies and services with a commitment to quality animal care and education. PETCO’s strategy is to offer its customers a complete assortment of pet-related products and services at competitive prices, with superior levels of customer service at convenient locations, by hiring pet lovers and training them to become counselors to our pet-loving customers. PETCO operates more than 800 neighborhood stores in 49 states and the District of Columbia, as well as a leading destination for on-line pet food and supplies at www.PETCO.com.
The PETCO Foundation, PETCO’s non-profit organization, has raised more than $34 million since its inception in 1999. More than 4,200 non-profit grassroots animal welfare organizations from around the nation receive Foundation support. Through the PETCO Foundation, PETCO endeavors to be a community leader in promoting the welfare of companion animals and celebrating the human-animal bond.