The Binky Foundation

Dorian Grey

Dorian Grey

Dorian Grey was born in a small barn on the land of one of our grantees, The Kerulos Center in southern Oregon, whose director G.A. Bradshaw writes: Their mother, Sara, had been abandoned. When Dorian and his two sisters, Mei Mei and Eva, finally emerged as stumbling kittens, they all joined the rest of the family – Centa, Fritzi, Pir and Margot Dogs, Panama Parrot, Nikki, Scooter, and Ingeborg Felines, and the many birds,deer, skunks and other wildlife who live here. Dorian’s nickname, Candy Cat, speaks to his sweet, sweet nature and beautiful open heart. He will be cherished, loved and remembered forever. October 2014.

Ophelia

Ophelia

Ophelia, the loved and loving feline member of the Handlin family – Joseph, Laura and daughter Emma – passed over the Rainbow Bridge after a long illness. Ophelia’s human companions – even stoic Joe! – are devastated. Remembrance donation by Jacqueline Birnbaum and Dean Surkin, September 2014.

Siva

Siva

Siva. BFF ( Best Feline Friend) to Linda Hanhilammi for 19 years. Loved to sit on her lap on her balcony enjoying the sun and the sights. Remembrance donation by Joan Scheier, July 2014.

Benny

Benny

In loving memory of Benny, the much beloved Maltese/Shihtzu companion to Artie and Debbie Schwartz. “Benny leaves behind a heartbroken but grateful and appreciative family. We experienced a lot of love and joy knowing him and having him in our family for the 12 years of his short life. He will be greatly missed by all of us and especially by his older brother ‘Tyler.’ You will always be in our hearts.” Remembrance donation by Dean Surkin and Jacqueline Birnbaum, July 2014.

Charlie

Charlie

In memory of Charlie, who was adopted by Katherine and Jim Sutton from Cavalier Rescue in August of 2011 when he was six years old. A purebred Cavalier, he was born in Ireland and shipped to the U.S as a puppy, but he got off to a poor start in life. Charlie spent most of his days in a cage, put on too much weight and developed heart issues and arthritis. He was also deaf. His family eventually had to give him up, which is how he came to Katherine and Jim. “For the almost three years at our house, he found a deeply loving home, cage-free, with lots of exercise and playtime. We knew he had health issues, but we hoped that he would live longer than nine years in total. However, we take solace in knowing that the last third of his life was the happiest and healthiest we could give him.” Remembrance donation by Dean Surkin and Jacqueline Birnbaum, June 2014.

Derek the Shelty

Derek the Shelty

In memory of Derek the Shelty, the lovely and lovable companion of Debbie and Steven Kaplan and best friend to Aunt Joan. Always glad to meet and greet you with a welcoming bark. Remembrance donation by Joan Scheier, May 2014.

Cleo

Cleo

In remembrance of Cleocat, or Cleo, companion to the Beirne family who lived fourteen years without developing a mean bone in her body. Her tender heart will be missed daily by the family she left behind. Remembrance donation by Judy Wolfe, April 2014.

2013 Grantees

In 2013 The Binky Foundation continued to focus on its smaller First Steps grants (up to $2500).  This emphasis on smaller grants enabled us to provide meaningful long-term benefits to many more organizations, and our grantees in turn continue to remind us that the smallest efforts properly focused can become the seeds from which substantial efforts grow.  So it is with great pride that we acknowledge each of our 2013 grant recipients (Our criteria and information on our application windows for 2014 can be found on our Grant Program page).

First Step Grants

During 2013, First Steps grants were awarded to 30 organizations and 2 individuals in a record 18 states. These grants largely reflect our mission and criteria as described on our Grant Program page:

Forward Steps Grants

Although The Binky Foundation is focused primarily on its First Steps grant program, it also provided support in 2013 for a few larger Forward Steps programs (between $2500 and $5000) that our grant committee determined would provide long-term, valuable benefits for animals or habitat, including:

The Binky Foundation also continues to provide ongoing support for a couple of “old friends”—organizations that provide significant and important services to animals—domestic and wild—and their habitat, including grants to:

  • Unexpected Wildlife Refuge, a small refuge in Southern New Jersey providing a haven for beavers, other indigenous wildlife and migratory birds, protecting them from encroachments of farmers, hunters and civilized development.
  • The Raptor Trust, an organization in Central New Jersey providing for the rehabilitation and re-entry in to the wild of injured or orphaned raptors and other birds, most of which are harmed by their proximity to the New York metropolis.
Goofus

Goofus

In memory of Goofus: with all his faults we still miss him. Remembrance donation by Betty and Joe Anticaglia, December 2013.

Morty and Skippy

Morty and Skippy

In loving memory of Morty and Skippy, beloved companions of Marcia and Drew Bollard and each other. Morty, a pointer-terrier mix was about 4 months old when adopted from a shelter and was almost 14 years old when he died in May 2013. Skippy, a 4-month old rescue puppy when adopted, died unexpectedly in August 2012 at the age of 8 1/2. Skippy was a mixed border collie who used to love to run in circles out back and chase after balls with Morty. Skippy and Morty became lifelong friends quickly and when one had to go to the vet without the other one the one left at home would pace by the window waiting for the other’s return. Both of them brought a lot of love and joy to the Bollard household and they are both sorely missed. Remembrance donation by Marcia and Drew Bollard, December 2013.