The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) does a lot to raise money for pets at the Seattle Animal Shelter. We host the Furry 5K, collect donations from small donors or large companies, volunteer directly at the shelter, and even host an auction and gala. We do all of this with only one paid employee, largely relying on volunteers to help raise money for pets in need.
In March, the foundation hopes to recruit new board members with particular focuses in:
- Recruiting
- Fundraising & Development
- Furry 5K & Community Events
- Auction Planning
Check out our current volunteer openings for more information and to see if you or someone you know could be a good fit.
For now, we’ll continue expressing our thanks to our current board members and sharing stories about what inspires them to volunteer — in their own words.
David Gorton, Treasurer | 1 year on the board
Why did you decide to volunteer for SASF?
“I decided to serve on the SASF board as it was a perfect opportunity to use my talents and skillset for a cause I believe in. My dog is a rescue, and she has enriched my life so much more than I could have imagined. It’s just such a great feeling being on a team that helps other animals find their forever homes.”
Did you have any concerns prior to joining the board?
“I had prior experience serving on a board, but I was concerned about the time commitment serving on a “working” board [board members not only develop strategies but also execute them]. I’ve found the time commitment to SASF is entirely manageable even with a busy full-time job and has never been an issue.”
What do you like most about volunteering for SASF?
“Everyone is so passionate about animals, and it’s a great being surrounded by such caring people. You can really tell that everyone — board, shelter staff and other volunteers — honestly cares about every single life that comes through the shelter.”
What would you say to someone who was considering joining the board?
“It’s so rewarding to spend your own time helping a very worthy cause. After a full year of serving on the board, I have no regrets having joined. Reach out if you have questions or concerns — we’d love to chat!”
Kara Main-Hester, President | 5 years on the board
Why did you decide to volunteer for SASF?
“I started volunteering at the Seattle Animal Shelter as a dog walker a long time ago. The volunteer program was incredible and was already supporting a lot of the ‘extras,’ like the Furry 5K, fundraising for vet care and promoting spay and neuter — but I knew it could be more and couldn’t be happier to see all the programs that the foundation has been able to support. From vet care to behavior modification to staff training. It’s fabulous!”
Did you have any concerns prior to joining the board?
“I’m always concerned about time commitment. I find that I can work my foundation time commitment into my normal week by doing a bit here and there. Because there is such great support across the whole board, nothing is a huge lift.”
What do you like most about volunteering for SASF?
“I love meeting fellow animal lovers who want to do more for the animals. While direct care and fostering is desperately needed at the animal shelter, I feel that the Foundation multiplies those efforts to allow for much more lifesaving work.”
What would you say to someone who was considering joining the Board?
“DO IT. It is great experience, you know that you have a direct effect on saving lives, and the board is a fun group of people.”
Katy Thweatt, Marketing Chair | 2 years on the board
Why did you decide to volunteer for SASF?
“I began fostering cats with the Seattle Animal Shelter in 2015. It wasn’t long before I began to hear about SASF and saw all the ways the foundation supported pets at SAS. I wanted to help shelter pets any way I could, so I responded to the SASF recruiter about joining the team.”
Did you have any concerns prior to joining the board?
“I first started volunteering on the marketing committee as an email coordinator. I was concerned that moving into the marketing chair position on the board would involve work that wasn’t in my wheelhouse. I took a leap of faith and applied anyway. I soon realized there were enough helpful people on the board and on my marketing team that I never feel alone in handling new opportunities.”
What do you like most about volunteering for SASF?
“At the beginning of our monthly board meeting, we all share good news that’s happened in our lives. I love hearing all the updates on people’s pets. Plus, now that we’re meeting virtually on video calls, I can see everyone’s pets on screen!”
What would you say to someone who was considering joining the Board?
“I’m sure you have reasons why you might not want to commit to a volunteer position. However, there could be no greater calling than using your time to help pets in need alongside some awesome people.”
See how you could support the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, and check out our current volunteer openings.