In memory of Bo, loving companion to David Reck. “My Dad lost his beloved collie Bo, who passed on this past fall. Growing up, I watched my Dad grieve immensely with the loss of each collie we had and this time was perhaps even harder than any other. Bo was his constant companion and will be missed dearly but always remembered lovingly.” Remembrance donation by David’s daughter, Jennifer Reck Bickford, December 2020.
As reported in our annual letter last December, we learned over the years that there are many passionate, well-intended people wanting to start an animal welfare group but do not fully understand the business or financial aspects of successfully running such a facility. This was the basis for our introducing, in the fall of 2019, our new, simplified First Steps grant program designed to provide a start-up $1000 grant to new animal welfare organizations (rescue groups, sanctuaries, shelters, etc.) that have invested in appropriate training and have a plan to achieve sustainability. In the year since inception of the program, through November 2020, we awarded 24 First Steps grants out of 52 applications received.
In loving memory of Mason, companion to Katherine and Jim Sutton. “Mason came to live with us as a rescue Cavalier in 2011 when he was four-years-old. Unlike most rescues, he had a happy start to life but needed a forever family when his former owners passed away. We loved him for seven years before he died during this past Thanksgiving week. To lose him during a holiday and at the end of this really difficult year of 2020 made his passing even more painful. Mason was as loyal and steadfast as they come, one of those special dogs with whom you have a special simpatico relationship. A good friend described him as ‘quite a handsome, regal guy, and the fact that he seemed to always be ‘on duty’ to protect you—with an ever watchful eye—was even more endearing.'” Remembrance donation by Jaqueline Birnbaum and Dean Surkin, December 2020.
In memory of Kelly and Steve Boghossian’s wonderful companion Lola. “Last week, we said goodbye to this little lady after 15 years together. This photo was taken at one of her favorite places, Smorgasburg at Prospect Park. I hope they have Home frites in doggo heaven. Goodnight Lola, the angriest potato.” Remembrance donation by Judith Wolfe, October 2020.
In memory of Boris, beautiful, loving companion to Jeannine and Barry Ross, and his feline brother, Niles. Eleven year-old Boris’s crossed the rainbow bridge peaceably in his sleep and will be sorely missed. Remembrance donation by Boris’s grandfolks, Betty and Joe Anticaglia, September 2020.
2019 was a transition year for us. We had a large backlog of applications carried over from our fall 2018 window, and we opened a new grant window in late 2019. Also, as part of our continued emphasis on new groups seeking to establish themselves in their communities, in late 2019 we began offering our new First Steps Grants to young organizations that recognize the importance of business training and planning as well as passion for the animals to create a successful, long-term operation. These First Steps grants are unrestricted for general use by the recipients who meet the criteria (See First Steps Grants).
For the full year 2019, The Binky Foundation awarded 44 “Forward Steps” grants to organizations in 23 states plus one territory (Puerto Rico) totaling over $56,500. In addition, it awarded 6 of its new “First Steps” grants, for a total of all grants awarded in 2019 in excess of $62,500.
It is with great pride that we acknowledge each of our 2019 grant recipients.
Forward Steps Grantees:
| A Promised Land Animal Rescue, Inc. | FL | Kennels |
| A Kitty’s Purrsuit of Happiness | TX | AC Units |
| Atlanta Rescue Dog Cafe, Inc. | GA | One Leash Project |
| Binky Bunny TALES Rescue | WA | Crates & Pens |
| Bits & Pieces Equine Rehabilitation | TN | Quarantine Structure |
| Bocilla Islands Conservancy Inc. | FL | Gopher Tortoise Initiative |
| Bridge to Home Animal Rescue | PA | Dog Rescue Equipment |
| Cascade Service Dogs | WA | Flooring/Sound Reduction |
| Centennial Valley Association | MT | Range Riding Program |
| Dragon Dream Team Rescue | TN | Cement for Kennel Area |
| Equine WellBeing Rescue Inc. | CA | Run-in Shelters |
| For the Love of Dogs Foundation | TX | Web Hosting |
| Fur a Good Paws | IL | Storage Shed |
| Giles County Humane Association | TN | Laptop & Accessories |
| Healing Species | SC | Kennels & Traps |
| Helping Animals Rescue Team | TN | TNR Equipment |
| Hooves of Promise | MT | Footing Material |
| Humane Society of Edmonson County | KY | Portable Storage Bldg. |
| Humane Society of Granville County | NC | Washing Machine & Dryer |
| Lennox’s Legacy Rescue, Inc. | IN | Horse Shelter |
| Liberty Haven Farms | NJ | New Shed |
| Love4Satos Animal Rescue, Inc. | PR | Foster Kits |
| Lulus Locker Rescue | IL | Cat Wall Shelves |
| Memories on the Mesa | CA | 3-Sided Cover for Burros |
| Montgomery County Community Cat Coalition | MD | TNR Program |
| New Braunfels Community Cat Coalition | TX | TNR Equipment |
| Northwoods Humane Society | WI | Washing Machine |
| Other Mothers Animal Rescue, Inc. | OR | Sterilizer |
| Pets Alive | NY | TNR Equipment |
| Renegade Animal Welfare & Rescue | CA | Outreach Program |
| Silver Comet Animal Welfare Alliance | GA | Presentation Kit |
| SoulSpace Farm Sanctuary | MN | Winterization Project |
| South Hills Pet Rescue | PA | Donor Software |
| Spay and Neuter Indiana PA Pets (SNIPP) | PA | TNR Traps |
| Super Heroes in Ripped Jeans | NY | Equipment and Supplies |
| Town Cats Inc. | MD | Feral Cat Rehoming Project |
| T-Town TNR, Inc. | OK | Trap Bank |
| Spay Neuter Allen County | KY | Traps |
| New Beginnings Thoroughbred | NJ | Shelters |
| Paw Parent | CA | AC Unit for RV |
| Cat Team 7 | VA | Trapping Equipment |
| Northern Colorado Friends of Ferals | CO | Surgical Lights |
| Boone Area Humane Society | IA | Brooder Nursery |
| Simply Spay & Neuter of Rockwood TN | TN | Carriers |
New First Steps Grantees:
| Circle of Love Animal Sanctuary Inc. | TX |
| Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance | NC |
| Finders Keepers Animal Sanctuary | NC |
| Furry Tracks | PR |
| German Shepherd Rescue of Central NM | NM |
| Missoula Urban Indian Health Center (for Arlee Rehabilitation Center) | MT |
In loving memory of Roxie, companion to Betty and Joe Anticaglia. “She was the sweetest ball of fur you could meet, and she left us far to soon from an irreversible heart condition. Roxie crossed the Rainbow Bridge peacefully in her safe space with her Dad at her side.” New York, NY, January 2020.
In memory of Raphael, beloved member of the Berzock Family: Kathleen, Cary, Lou and Sol. “Raphael will always be in our hearts. He was small but mighty, and the most talkative cat I’ve ever met. He loved to have a conversation, and his insistent meowing, whether for a treat or to be let in or out, could not be ignored. He loved us all, but he had a special bond with Sol. The two spent many happy hours hanging out, and Sol was the only one who could pet, pat, and carry Raphael without him wiggling away. We were lucky to have him share our lives for six wonderful years, and we are comforted imagining him prowling through heaven’s gardens and backyards, and sleeping soundly on the highest point in the clouds, looking down on us with his sweet face.” Remembrance donation by Jon & Jeanne Bickford, January 2020.
In memory of Finn, Jeannine and Barry Ross’s wonderful companion. “There was no sweeter cat than Finn and we loved him tremendously. He will be missed greatly by many people.” December 2019.
We have had a very busy 2019! Before our current windows were opened November 1st, we had awarded 39 grants totaling $50,483.45, primarily to groups whose applicants were carried over from the over 300 applications received in the fall of 2018. Over the summer we undertook a total review of our program criteria, our online application process and our website. As a result we made a number of changes, including the introduction of our new streamlined “First Steps” program for fledgling groups.