Max’s Helping Paws Foundation Recognized by Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County At Annual Awards Ceremony as Outstanding Organization/Animal Welfare

 While the Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County (NAMC) will recognize the collective impact of the nonprofit sector at its 2020 awards celebration, seven local organizations will take home special honors. 

Monterey, CA, September 17, 2020 - While the Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County (NAMC) will recognize the collective impact of the nonprofit sector at its 2020 awards celebration, seven local organizations will take home special honors.

The NAMC has announced that among the select winners this year is Max’s Helping Paws Foundation, awarded the honor of Outstanding Organization/Animal Welfare. 

The online event takes place from 8-9 a.m. on Sept. 25, and features the Perry Flicker Award Tribute to Rosemary Soto, Nonprofit Awards, Unsung Hero Tributes, special performances, video tributes, raffles and a red carpet gallery. 

About Max's Helping Paws Foundation

Max's Helping Paws Foundation (MHPF) was co-founded in 2016 by Dyana Klein and her husband and veterinary internist, Dr. Jonathan Fradkin, in memory of their pet, Maximillian. The foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports all Monterey County veterinary practices to provide financial assistance to clients with pets in need of both critical short-term or longer-term care for chronic illness. Since it first started providing financial assistance in mid-2017, MHPF has granted nearly $300,000 to give hundreds of pets a second chance. MHFP is based in Monterey County and serves only Monterey County. Max’s Helping Paws Foundation (831) 704-6473 and info@maxshelpingpaws.org. 

About Non Profit Alliance of Monterey County:

The mission of the Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County is to optimize the collective power of nonprofits for the benefit of  Monterey County communities. NAMC advocates for the nonprofit industry through education, convening, and acting as an information hub. Find out more at www.alliancemonterey.org.

 

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.maxshelpingpaws.org

VNA Hospice’s Innovative Latino Mobile Resource Center Van to Visit Three Locations in South County in July

The nonprofit VNA Hospice’s innovative Latino Mobile Resource Center van will be at three South County locations in July — one in Chualar and two in King City.

King City, CA, July 08, 2020 — The nonprofit VNA Hospice’s innovative Latino Mobile Resource Center van will be at three South County locations in July — one in Chualar and two in King City.

The van, which was launched in November 2019, continues its mission to deliver information and resources about end-of-life decisions and care to the local Spanish-speaking communities of Monterey County.

The van, which is a part of Hospice Giving Foundation’s Juntos con Esperanza partnership, will be at the following locations:

> 12-3 p.m. Thursday, July 9: 2020 Needs assessment survey distribution, Alma’s Bakery and Deli, 25482 Payson St., Chualar.

>8-10 a.m. Thursday, July 16: VNA bringing resources to the community of King City at St. John Catholic Church, 504 N. 3rd St., King City.

> 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, July 23: VNA bringing resources and needs assessment survey distribution, Leo Meyer Center, 415 Queen St., King City.

This program was funded (in part) by the Hospice Giving Foundation.

Since 1951, the nonprofit VNA Hospice has used an integrated, team-oriented approach to helping those facing a life-limiting illness, along with their families and caregivers.

For more information visit www.ccvna.com, or call (831) 372-6668.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.ccvna.com

Goodwill Central Coast’s e-Commerce Team Back in Action and Shipping New Items Daily While Feeding Into Nonprofit’s Mission Of Creating Jobs

Once again, there’s a buzz of activity on the top floor of the Goodwill Central Coast headquarters on Moffett Street in Salinas as Goodwill’s ecommerce team opens up operations again, listing and shipping new items daily.

Salinas, CA, May 22, 2020 — Once again, there’s a buzz of activity on the top floor of the Goodwill Central Coast headquarters on Moffett Street in Salinas as Goodwill’s ecommerce team opens up operations again, listing and shipping new items daily.

Monterey County officials gave Goodwill formal permission to open again on April 30, and, on May 4, the operation began with a manager, assistant manager and four department heads. Three days later, 12 other full-time associates who had been furloughed were recalled.

“We are working on new enhancements in our ecommerce operations daily and expect a larger and more convenient process for our customers soon,” said Alan C. Martinson, Goodwill Central Coast vice president of retail.

The e-commerce team sorts through the most coveted donated items to put up for sale at shopgoodwill.com. The website, which opened in July 2017, represents the first e-commerce auction platform created, owned and operated by a nonprofit. Goodwill designed the virtual marketplace to provide an engaging online shopping destination that would further the Goodwill mission.

“It fits our mission, reinvesting in jobs,” said Martinson. “It’s effectively a job creator within a job creator.”

Shoppers enjoy what Goodwill calls “guilt-free retail therapy,” knowing every purchase supports job training programs and promotes reuse, keeping items out of landfills and reducing the need for scarce natural resources.

Martinson hand-picked the team, store associates with experience and a sharp eye who could cull specialty items from the tons of donations, separate them, tag them, photograph them, process them, upload them, and ship them — all in one facility.

The Salinas team shipped 400 to 500 items each day, from gold jewelry to clothing, musical instruments and more, before the pandemic forced operations to close. At its height, jewelry and books were the biggest sellers on the site.

Goodwill’s Mission

Goodwill Central Coast builds lives, families and communities by helping people with employment needs become successful, supported by innovative enterprises that preserve earth’s resources.

About Goodwill Central Coast
Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs over 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 13,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Goodwill Central Coast
1566 Moffet Street
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 423-8611
https://www.ccgoodwill.org

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.ccgoodwill.org

VNA Hospice among Health Agencies to Order Masks from Nonprofit Organized by Pacific Grove Teens

Given the nationwide shortage of personal protection equipment (or PPE), some health-related agencies have had to expand their search for items such as face masks.

Pacific Grove, CA, April 18, 2020 — Given the nationwide shortage of personal protection equipment (or PPE), some health-related agencies have had to expand their search for items such as face masks.

Central Coast VNA Hospice found some help from a Pacific Grove family who has launched an innovative nonprofit called Masks for Monterey County.

Toula Hubbard found a way to keep her kids active and connected through a Girl Scout service project. Her two teenagers created the nonprofit to connect mask makers with healthcare professionals, essential workers and those in need.

Toula, a life and wellness coach, lives in Pacific Grove with her husband Chris, her daughter Thalia, 16, and son Niko, 15.

“Gratitude and a sense of belonging are important to wellness,” she said. “So volunteering and gratitude are basic principles that clients learn to exercise and my children have been raised with.”

The registry at www.masksformontereycounty.org is two weeks old and already has more than 4,000 requests, with more and more seamstresses added each day.

Currently there is a worldwide shortage of protective face masks, which help slow the spread of the virus. VNA Hospice has ordered 300 masks from MFMC, and will be receiving them each week in batches of 30.

Most of the masks are typically made with 100 percent cotton fabric.

“Honestly it doesn’t matter what type of mask is made,” Toula said. “We just need the masks and we will match the mask type to the appropriate group.”

What they call AB masks have a spot for a filter, and are prioritized to health care workers. Some masks are simply cloth, great for those interacting with the public, such as grocery workers, postal workers and essential employees of all types.

“We have some people who have asked that masks be made to cover the N95 mask,” she said.

All masks are reusable, and each recipient is instructed to sterilize between each use.

When the pandemic ends, the family will collect any unused masks, sanitize them and repurpose them by donating to dialysis centers and other facilities that cater to the immune compromised.

A junior at Pacific Grove High School and a member of Girl Scout Troop 30626, Thalia had been keeping an eye out for potential Girl Scout Gold projects. She joined her brother, a freshman at PGHS and a member of Boy Scout Troop 43, in the endeavor.

“We have many friends who are health care workers, and essential employees, and the conversation started around how to get them resources to protect themselves and others if they are carriers without knowing,” Toula said.

She challenged her kids to take a look at the need and see what they could do to help. In the process, they learned new skills, among them creating a website and launching social media platforms. Each has worked to help draft marketing materials while problem solving the logistics of moving fabric donations and completed masks around the county.

So far, masks have been sent to healthcare workers, home-health workers, those passing out food to the needy, fire and police departments, essential county agency workers, grocery store and drug store workers, nonprofits and other agencies serving the community.

“Our intention is to also provide masks to the second wave of those in need including the vulnerable and elderly,” Toula said.

The family has friends who work and volunteer for VNA, a nonprofit close to their hearts.

“VNA provides so many services in the community, and you can see why their nurses and volunteers need the added protection,” she said.

All masks donated are free, but there are costs for materials and delivery, so the Hubbards have set up a donation portal on the website.

The lesson in this project is clear.

“Make a difference in the center of your circle, and the ripple effect will have others creating a similar circle with a similar ripple effect,” Toula said. “At the end of the day we are all in this together.”

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.masksformontereycounty.org

Monterey County Nonprofit Max’s Helping Paws Foundation Announces Hiring of New Assistant Executive Director

Max's Helping Paws Foundation (MHPF), which provides a financial lifeline for pet owners with a pet in a health crisis, has announced Shelley Wise as its new Assistant Executive Director.

Del Rey Oaks, CA, November 19, 2019 — Max's Helping Paws Foundation (MHPF), which provides a financial lifeline for pet owners with a pet in a health crisis, has announced Shelley Wise as its new Assistant Executive Director.

Wise has 20-plus years as a healthcare professional and two years nonprofit management experience. Her last position was as full-time Assistant Director at Valley Health Associates in Salinas, California from 2017-2018.

“I am excited to find an organization that shares the same values that I do — helping families care for and protect their animals,” she wrote in applying for the position. “I am a passionate animal advocate with a mission to serve, which is why I returned to school. I have worked in both the private sector and non-profit settings, and have participated in all aspects of running a non- profit including budgeting and fundraising, which will enable me to support your mission and growth.”

Prior to Valley Health she was co-owner and chiropractor at Carmel Orthopedic and Sports Therapy, in Carmel, California from 1990 to 2017. She received her bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Kaplan University in Chicago, Illinois, and doctor of chiropractic degree from Palmer College in Davenport, Iowa. She received a master’s degree in Health Policy and Law from UC San Francisco and UC Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, California in 2018.

Wise’s hobbies include therapy dogs, paddle-boarding, working out, and volunteering for Gathering for Women. She is also a board member for Power Over Parkinson’s in Carmel.

About Max's Helping Paws Foundation
Max's Helping Paws Foundation was founded in 2016 to provide a financial lifeline for responsible Monterey County pet owners with a pet in a health crisis. Since it first started providing financial assistance in mid-2017, Max’s Helping Paws has approved more than $135,000 in financial assistance to pet families dealing with financial hardship.

https://www.maxshelpingpaws.org
(831) 704-6473
info@maxshelpingpaws.org
451 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Del Rey Oaks, CA 93940

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.maxshelpingpaws.org

Monterey County Nonprofit Max’s Helping Paws Gives Holiday Hope to Families Who Can’t Afford Treatment for Pets Who Become Ill

To Heather, her dog Trigger is more than a companion, he’s her “gift from God” and a certified Emotional Support Animal (E.S.A). But even more than that, he’s a member of her family along with her husband and three kids.

Del Rey Oaks, CA, December 23, 2018 — To Heather, her dog Trigger is more than a companion, he’s her “gift from God” and a certified Emotional Support Animal (E.S.A). But even more than that, he’s a member of her family along with her husband and three kids.

Heather is a U.S. Navy veteran, a former mineman used to dealing with high explosives, and suffers from PTSD. Trigger helps her deal with everyday life as a PTSD sufferer. So when Trigger fell ill, with blood and vomiting, he was diagnosed with a multitude of conditions that needed to be addressed right away, Heather’s heart sank.

Heather and her family were faced with a very difficult decision. The family was not able to afford the necessary medical treatment for Trigger. Without treatment and surgery, he would surely die.

“It’s hard to imagine that you could lose a member of your family over not being able to afford a simple test that we as humans take for granted,” said Heather. “I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like if I didn’t have him in my life.”

Luckily, Pet Specialists of Monterey, one of 20 partners, graciously arranged to have Trigger receive assistance from Max’s Helping Paws Foundation (MHPF). Max's Helping Paws Foundation is a Monterey County-based animal welfare organization that has actively given back to the community by helping more than 100 senior, low-income, veteran, disabled, disadvantaged and in-need responsible pet owners in the past 18 months.

Since its inception in mid-2017 it has awarded $75,000 in financial assistance to those needing it. Max’s Helping Paws is a financial lifeline for those desperate to save their dogs and cats from unexpected circumstance.

“We cannot express how much we appreciate all those that chipped in and came together to help him and us,” said Heather about Trigger’s last-minute reprieve. “I am so grateful for all the help we received. There was a point where I really felt we may have to say goodbye to Trigger. When I count my blessings at night, Max’s is at the top of the list.”

Today, Trigger is continuing a smooth and steady recovery. His gastro-intestinal complications have almost completely resolved and his skin improved just in a few days of medication. Trigger is also back to climbing up on his owners bed to snuggle with his best friend, the family’s 8-month-old son Wesley and even getting back into the habit of begging for a ride in the car when he hears anyone grab the car keys.”

But other dogs and cats may not be so lucky, their owners are constantly faced with decisions that no pet owner wants to face.

“These are my babies, I don’t have kids. I think about their own happiness before my own. I'd go homeless before I'd get rid of her,” said one, Sarah. “We wouldn’t amputate his arm — he’s so young. I considered putting him up for adoption,” said another.

“To see pets suffer, or to see pet owners consider euthanasia or surrender because of financial circumstance is heartbreaking,” said Dyana Klein, executive director and co-founder of Max’s Helping Paws Foundation with her husband, a veterinary internist. “With your help, we can keep families together and keep giving deserving Monterey County pets an incredible gift."

This year, Max’s is also part of Monterey County Gives fundraising campaign.

For every dollar given to Max’s Helping Paws through MC Gives!, a prorated match is applied to the first $75,000 the organization raises during the MC Gives! campaign, which runs through Dec. 31. And every dollar counts:

>$100 can provide medications for a pet in need.

>$300 can pay for critical blood/lab work.

>$500 can pay for biopsies and diagnostics to determine if a pet has a chance.

>$1,000 can provide initial treatment of chronic illnesses, including diabetes, Cushing’s, Addison’s, asthma and some cancers.

>$2,000 can provide a life-saving amputation or surgery.

A generous donation to Max’s through MC Gives! allows Max’s to continue to help families from having to make difficult decisions and save their pets from an awful fate.

To donate, go to the MC Gives! website at www.montereycountygives.com/PAWS. To be accepted as part of Monterey County Gives!, all checks from donors must be made payable to CFMC/MCGives!, and include instructions that it is a donation for Max’s Helping Paws Foundation, either in the memo line or on a separate piece of paper.

About Max’s Helping Paws Foundation
Maximillian was co-founder Dyana Klein's 14-year old Miniature Pinscher, who passed away on May 27, 2016, from a rare kidney cancer. While grieving the loss, she and her husband found comfort in knowing they did everything medically possible to try to save Max's life, though ultimately the war was lost. What they realized was just how important it was to know that no stone was left unturned, and they imagined the guilt and heartbreak for those who might have to allow their pets to suffer, or may need to euthanize or surrender them because of financial circumstances. Wanting to do something meaningful, and honor Max's memory in a way that would help them heal while helping others, Max's Helping Paws was born. Max's Helping Paws provides a financial lifeline for responsible Monterey County pet owners with a pet in a health crisis.ll

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.montereycountygives.com/

Nonprofit Fundraising Startup iPrytaneum to Join Constant Contact's InnoLoft Program

iPrytaneum announced today that they have been chosen to join the Constant Contact, Inc. Small Business Innovation Program, a residency program supporting entrepreneurs and startups.

Cambridge, MA, September 25, 2015 (Straight Line PR) -- iPrytaneum today announced that the company has been chosen by Constant Contact, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTCT) to join its Small Business Innovation Program, a four-month residency program designed to support entrepreneurs and startups as they solve problems for small businesses. iPrytaneum will join other startup class members in Constant Contact's Innovation Loft (InnoLoft), a 30,000 square foot office space at the company's Waltham, MA headquarters.

"iPrytaneum is announcing that we will be launching the first platform that will level the playing field and promote a nonprofit's voice by providing a space that brings together the public, brands and the nonprofits in a single space. This platform will empower them to launch, manage and measure viral campaigns and innovate as a group rather than individuals," said Joshua S. Raymond, Co-Founder & CEO. "Our organizations share an incredible passion for helping nonprofits succeed, so getting into the InnoLoft program is huge. Having the ability to work with some of the industry's best and brightest to help solve major problems that affect nonprofits in an environment that fosters innovation, creativity and amazing resources - absolute game changer."

The Small Business Innovation Program ( http://smbinnoloft.com/ ) is a first-of-its-kind accelerator program, entirely hosted and run by Constant Contact. It's designed to support entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping small businesses, by building new products, features and services. Twice a year, small classes of startups take up residence in the InnoLoft: 30,000 square feet of lab, test kitchen, play room, business school, safe space, and launch pad for startups to work, dream, test, disrupt, strategize and plan.

iPrytaneum uses an integrated, multi-faceted approach, combining mobile and web applications and digital marketing expertise to create much higher exposure for nonprofit organizations, while helping them run highly engaging challenges and customized fundraising campaigns.

A new YouTube/Google Hangout video about iPrytaneum has been created and can be viewed here: http://youtu.be/vmu5SAKCUYM

"iPrytaneum's participation in the Innovation Program will be a big win for everyone involved," said Andy Miller, Chief Innovation Architect for Constant Contact ( http://www.constantcontact.com/?cc=PR_genRwbst ). "iPrytaneum can leverage Constant Contact's resources and small business expertise; Constant Contact can continue to tap the startup ecosystem for inspiration; and, most importantly, nonprofits will have valuable solutions that provide a free, easy-to-use platform that fully facilitates the fundraising process to help them do more business."

iPrytaneum strives to create the platform that provides a rich multimedia experience. In addition to mobile apps, iPrytaneum will be launching a responsive web app that allows organizations as well as individuals to create challenges, upload and share videos and pictures, and participate in live events run by nonprofits.

More information about iPrytaneum can be found at the company's web site, http://www.iprytaneum.com

Members of the Innovation Program receive a number of benefits ( http://smbinnoloft.com/faq ), including residence in the InnoLoft, $10,000 to spend on marketing activities, access to Constant Contact's official small business focus group Test Drive, and mentorship from the angel and venture communities. Additionally, two startups that show exceptional growth and success during their tenure will be invited to remain at the InnoLoft for two extra months to take further advantage of Constant Contact's resources.

About iPrytaneum:
iPrytaneum is a startup company founded in 2014, and dedicated to providing nonprofits with a unique ability to create fun, easy and exciting opportunities for people to give back to good causes. The company takes the cause-driven social media marketing approach and solidifies it into a concrete, actionable viral marketing strategy that other nonprofit organizations can use to launch similar social initiatives that inspire action, increase supporter engagement and drive meaningful results for their organization.

About Constant Contact, Inc.
Constant Contact introduced the first email marketing tool for small businesses, nonprofits, and associations in 1998. Today, the company helps more than 600,000 customers worldwide find marketing success through the only all-in-one online marketing platform for small organizations. Anchored by a world-class email marketing tool, the Constant Contact Toolkit(tm) helps small businesses drive repeat business and find new customers. It features multi-channel marketing campaigns (newsletters/announcements, offers/promotions, online listings, events/registration, and feedback) combined with shared content, contacts, and reporting; free award-winning coaching and product support; and integrations with critical business tools - all from a single login. The company's extensive network of educators, consultants/resellers, technology providers, franchises, and national associations offer further support to help small organizations succeed and grow. Through its Innovation Loft, C onstant Contact is fueling the next generation of small business technology.

Constant Contact and the Constant Contact Logo are registered trademarks of Constant Contact, Inc. All Constant Contact product names and other brand names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Constant Contact, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

Contact:
Brendan Kincaid
iPrytaneum.com
Cambridge, MA
617-913-7002

http://www.iprytaneum.com