The Humane Society of Tampa Bay

From left to right, Commissioner Mark Sharpe, Commissioner Kevin Beckner, Commissioner Sandra Murman, HSTB Board President Connie Johnson, Treasurer Mike Neff, Exective Director Sherry Silk, Rose Ferlita, Allison Roberts, Bob Reina, Linda Reitz, Vice President Mary Birrell, City Councilwoman Yvonne Capin, Richard Gonzmart, Cynthia Sarff, Secretary Patti Sutherland, Justin Klatsky, Morris Massey, Christopher Stevens

On Monday, December 12, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay held the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Talk Fusion Animal Health Center. This historical day was made possible by a one million dollar pledge from Brandon-based video communication company Talk Fusion to help build the organization’s new Animal Health Center.

“We are delighted to help make a difference,” said Talk Fusion Founder & CEO Bob Reina of the contribution. “I know that this undertaking will save thousands of lives by reducing companion and homeless animal euthanasia, as well as improving the quality of life of Tampa Bay pets and their owners.” Reina, a former Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy who believes in giving back to his community, is a longtime supporter of the Humane Society; at this year’s annual Tuxes & Tails fundraiser, he donated $250,000 to the organization.

Dedicated to the memory of two of the Talk Fusion founder’s late pets, Thunder and Shadow Reina, the Memorial Animal Health Center will provide affordable full-service veterinary care and low-cost spaying/neutering for four-legged family members in Tampa Bay. The new clinic will also provide more extensive medical care for shelter animals.

Sherry Silk, Executive Director of HSTB, said, “This is a dream becoming a reality in the Tampa Bay community. We’ve been planning to build the Animal Health Center and Talk Fusion’s generous donation helps immeasurably in putting that plan into action.” Talk Fusion’s is the largest donation in the 100-year history of the Humane Society.