On April 28, over 950 people attended the 30th Annual Purrfect Bow Wow Brunch and raised a record-breaking $615,000 to continue to save thousands of animal lives. This huge success would not have been possible without our committed supporters, staff, and volunteers. This year, Michigan Humane President and CEO Matthew Pepper presented three awards to individuals whose work and contributions have transformed the lives of animals in our communities for decades.
Advocacy has always been a crucial part of the MHS mission, ensuring public policies are in the best interest for animals. Bee Friedlander, President of Attorneys for Animals, is someone who embodies this. She has been a leading advocate in the animal law field for many years and her impact has reached global lengths. Her passion is inspiring and we were privileged to present her with Michigan Humane’s Inaugural Animal Advocacy Award.
Michigan Humane VP and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Fisher was presented with the Michigan Humane Society Companion Champion Award. For over 30 years, Dr. Fisher truly has been a caring companion to all animals across the state. When MHS put together a team to assist areas hit by Hurricane Harvey, one of the first to volunteer to help was Dr. Fisher. Whether it be hands-on as a skilled veterinarian or through his advocacy and teaching, his impact has saved countless animal lives.
This year’s Thomas A. Mackey Humane Hero Award was posthumously awarded to Madeleine and Mandell Berman. Madeleine Berman served multiple terms on Michigan Humane’s Board of Directors, but the couple’s commitment to animals went beyond that. Mr. and Mrs. Berman heavily contributed to the building of our Berman Center for Animal Care in Westland (named in their honor) and were influential in raising funds for our Detroit facility. Humane education and quality veterinary care for the people and animals of southeast Michigan were very important to the Bermans, and because of their support, those services will be available to our community for years to come.
Animal welfare is continuously improving because of passionate, dedicated and constant supporters like our awardees. Thank you for all that you do for the animals!
Save the Date for next year’s Purrfect Bow Wow Brunch, April 26, 2020, at Cobo Center!
Photo credit: Michigan Humane