Dear Friends,

I am Jim Taylor, president of The National Humane Education Society, which operates a number of animal care programs, including The Briggs Animal Adoption Center (BAAC).  I am writing to you today in the hopes that I might gain your further support for our animal friends during these difficult economic times.  You see, there is no economic “bailout package” for the nonprofit sector and donations to NHES/BAAC have decreased 20 percent from this time last year—and we could really use your help.

Last year, I rode my mountain bike in the BAAC’s 7^th Annual Pedal for Pooches to help raise funds to care for the dogs and cats at the BAAC.  Much to my surprise, my ride of 30 miles generated over $14,000 from people just like you.  With having received such an overwhelmingly positive response and, in light of these difficult economic times, I am compelled to try and raise even more funds for the animals this year. 

So, here I am—BEGGING for the animals and pledging to ride 30 miles in this year’s 8^th Annual Pedal for Pooches, which will be held on April 25, 2009.

We were able to do a lot of good with the pledge support from last year.  We rescued more cats and dogs than the previous year, providing them with needed medical care, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering (thereby preventing the births of thousands of homeless cats and dogs in the future.) These rescued animals also came to know kindness for what may well have been the first time in their lives and many were placed in their “Forever Homes” with wonderful people just like you.

Past supporters know that this bike ride will be physically difficult for me—because my left leg is amputated above the knee; my right knee has undergone two surgeries, and I recently had 2 stents placed in one of my coronary arteries.                                                  

But as I’ve said before, my physical difficulties pale in comparison to the painful suffering that thousands upon thousands of homeless cats and dogs experience on a daily basis in our country.  But, together, we can alleviate some of this suffering for some more of these animals this year.

Will you please help me alleviate some of this animal suffering?  If so, please simply donate online under Bread and Butter Donation (General). Write in the comment section, In Support of the President’s Ride.  After the ride, you will receive an email from me letting you know how far I was able to ride and the total pledges received.  Please remember that no amount is too small and your help is needed!

For the Animals, I thank you!

Jim Taylor