ORLANDO, Fla., May 14, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The almost 80-year old Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando raised $131,420 last Thursday during its Humane Heroes Luncheon at The Alfond Inn in Winter Park, Florida. Over 300 supporters gathered to celebrate the human-animal bond and a commitment to rescuing pets for the donor luncheon. WFTV news anchors Vanessa Welch and Greg Warmoth hosted the program which featured a $10,000 leadership challenge from Stanley Steemer's Connie Gellner and a $25,000 major gift announcement from Reed Nissan's general manager Aaron Hill.
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Through its two animal shelters and veterinary clinics, the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando placed 6,460 dogs and cats into new, loving homes last year and 14,445 pets were spayed or neutered, preventing even more homeless puppies and kittens. "Unrestricted funds raised through the Humane Heroes luncheon support all of the programs at the Pet Alliance," said the organization's Vice President of Philanthropy Sean Hawkins. "Our mission is to save more animal lives in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties, and we cannot do it alone. We need everyone who loves animals as our partners – our allies – in the welfare and well-being of dogs and cats. The luncheon is a great example of people working together for a common cause."
Corporate partners who helped produce the luncheon include Merial for major underwriting, and top dogs at Elanco, IDEXX, M.W.I., Purina and Wells Fargo. Special thanks also goes out to Appleton Creative, the Alfond Inn, and partners at WFTV and the 9 Family Connection.
About Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
As the go-to pet experts for Central Florida, the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando does good things for dogs and cats and the people who love them. Formerly the SPCA of Central Florida, the organization's goal is to provide compassionate and knowledgeable services for pets and to be leaders in innovative animal care and veterinary medicine. More than 7,000 homeless dogs and cats turned to the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando for caring, compassion, and hope through its two animal shelters last year. Highly skilled veterinarians will help and heal an additional 45,000 animals through two veterinary clinics. Providing shelter for animals in crisis, disaster response efforts, and pet food pantry programs for dogs and cats in need, thousands of additional animals are helped each year. Visit www.PetAllianceOrlando.org for more information.
