LMA Ohio Members Participate in "Pledge for Pets Radiothon"

LMA Ohio’s first of four volunteer opportunities in 2008 was in support of the Cleveland Animal Protective League (www.clevelandapl.org). A group of eight LMA Ohio members participated as part of the phone bank for the APL’s Third Annual “Pledge for Pets Radiothon” on the morning of Friday, May 9, 2008.

The APL is an independent, nonprofit humane society located in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood whose mission is to foster compassion and end animal suffering. Its animal shelter, services, and programs are made available through fundraising, donations, foundation and corporate support and service fees.  The APL provides shelter to homeless animals relinquished by their guardians, animals that are rescued from abuse or neglect, and stray or abandoned animals. 

During the Pledge for Pets Radiothon, which was held at the APL’s Cleveland shelter, local radio station Q104's DJs Rebecca Wilde and Allan Fee were on the air 18 hours raising money for the animals and to support the people who rescue, rehabilitate and care for them.  The event allowed the Cleveland APL to create community awareness and share heartfelt stories of the animals it helps.

LMA Ohio volunteers worked alongside those from other organizations in contributing their time to answering telephones from callers who would like to make pledges or donations in support of the Cleveland APL. Volunteers completed pledge cards with callers over the telephone in the same room where Wilde and Fee broadcasted their program and served as the “audience” for the event. The volunteers also enjoyed meeting many of the animals who their efforts were benefiting and seeing animals who have been adopted return with their new families to share their stories on the air.

LMA Ohio’s volunteer opportunity with the APL was organized by its Community Outreach Committee. The committee was instituted two years ago by Past President Rose Abood, who continues to serve as its Chair. Its next volunteer opportunity will be with the Cleveland Foodbank on July 24, 2008 from 6:00-8:00pm. If you are interested in participating, please contact LMA Ohio President Gary Bloom at gbloom@walterhav.com or Rose Abood at rabood@ralaw.com.