The Humane Society of Tampa Bay

At their 10th annual Tuxes and Tails Gala on Saturday the Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB) celebrated their Centennial and received a fitting “birthday” surprise when local business owner and entrepreneur Bob Reina gave $100,000. Reina and his company Talk Fusion, Inc. have been ardent supporters of HSTB for several years. Most notably, Reina recently bought naming rights to the forthcoming Talk Fusion Animal Health Center with a gift of $1 million.

“In celebration of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s 100th anniversary, I felt it was appropriate for me to contribute $100,000 at this year’s Tuxes and Tails Gala,” said Bob Reina, Founder & CEO, Talk Fusion. “Because of my love for animals and my commitment to help speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, the Humane Society will always have my continuing pledge that, together, we can serve to create a better world for both people and companion animals.”

Talk Fusion, Inc., along with an anonymous donor, was a Best in Show sponsor for the Tuxes & Tails event which raised more than $265,000 through silent and live auctions, reservation sales and “Save a Life” donations and pledges. Another event highlight was the unveiling of a new logo for the century-old organization (see above left).

“We could not have asked for a more successful Centennial celebration,” said HSTB Executive Director Sherry Silk. “Being our 100th year, we jazzed up the party with dancing, costumes, lights and strolling musicians. But, the real stars of the evening were the more than 30 homeless animals who attended, many of whom found new forever homes. It was a magical night.”

The event was held Saturday, May, 5 at the Tampa Convention Center. Cynthia Smoot of FOX 13 News served as emcee and was joined onstage by celebrity models during the event’s signature fashion show. Richard Gonzmart, owner of the Columbia Restaurant and guest speaker, shared his rich, historical perspective on the Humane Society’s role in the community. Entertainers from Breezin’ Entertainment and Event Show Productions added much to the evening with performances in period costumes representing iconic decades from the past century.

Top sponsors for the event were Talk Fusion, Inc., an anonymous friend of the animals, and Lance and Karyn Ringhaver.

Celebrity Models: Bill Freitas, The BL Show 1250 AM WHNZ Co-host; Ginger Gadsden, 10 Connects; Wendy Ryan, ABC Action News; Jerome Ritchey, Studio 10 Co-host; Santiago Corrada, City of Tampa Chief of Staff; Kristin Wright, FOX 13 News; Jennifer Epstein, FOX 13 News; Jackie Callaway, ABC Action News; Lisa Montelione, Tampa City Councilwoman; John Thomas, ABC Action News; Jackie Barron, Public Affairs Manager, Mosaic Company; Lindsay Milbourne, FOX 13 Meteorologist; Angela Ardonlino, Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine Founder and Editorial Director; Charley Belcher, FOX 13 News; Ken Hagan, County Commissioner.

Event Sponsors: Talk Fusion, Inc.; Anonymous; Lance & Karyn Ringhaver; The A.D. Morgan Corporation; American Traditions by Tara, Inc.; The Antinori Family; Gerry & Suzie Archibald; Blue Grace Logisitics; BrightHouse; Glenn & Danita Dickman; Downtown Dogs; Carol & Charlie Funk; Hill Ward Henderson; Stacey & John Jaeb; Mosaic; Pawlowski & Brewer, P.A.; Paws Plus; USAmeribank; Allied Aerofoam; No Place Like HomeCare; PAR, Inc.; Strategos Public Affairs; Trenam Kemker; WAG Natural Pet Boutique; Forns Design & Construction, Inc.; New York Yankees Foundation; Tampa Bay Metro; Tampa Bay Parenting

In-Kind Sponsors: AVI-SPL, Creative Show Services; Barefoot Wine & Bubbly; Breezin’ Entertainment; Connie Duglin Linens, Downtown Dogs, Event Show Productions; Events in Bloom; Free Press; IM Events; Krista Sparkman Photography; SuperBooch

Photos courtesy of Krista Sparkman Photography. View more photos HERE

Community Support Needed to Find Homes for Animals and Save More Lives

TAMPA, FLA – Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB) today announced that they are one of 55 animal rescue organizations across the country receiving grant funding to participate in the first ever ASPCA ‘Mega Math-a-thon’ event, which will take place in late March and early April. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay will hold their adoption event alongside humane organizations in Chicago, Miami, New York City, Austin and other major U.S cities in an effort to save more lives of shelter animals. The ASPCA (The American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is granting nearly $500,000 to support these large-scale adoption events held simultaneously nationwide.

“The ASPCA Mega Match-a-thon is a great motivator for our staff and for the members of our community to help the many wonderful cats and dogs in our shelter find loving homes,” said Sherry Silk, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. “Working together with Hillsborough County Animal Services as well as many local rescue groups, we can save thousands of animals and enrich the lives of new adopting families.”

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay will hold their Mega Match-a-thon on Saturday, March 31 from 9am to 9pm at their shelter at 3607 N Armenia Avenue in Tampa. Rescue groups that will be on site with HSTB are CARES, Florida Big Dog Rescue, Labor of Love, Second Chance Boxer, Suncoast Basset Rescue and Southeast Beagle Rescue. Hillsborough County Animal Services will also participate on the same date and during the same hours at their shelter at 440 N Falkenburg Road in Tampa.

The event will showcase hundreds of adoptable pets in a festive atmosphere that aims to celebrate the bonds we share with companion animals. New adopters will take home free goodie bags of supplies and free ID tags along with their new family member. Participating rescue groups will take part in friendly contests throughout the 12-hour event to spur motivation and camaraderie.

The event is free and open to the public, adoption fees apply.

For the third year in a row, Charity Navigator has awarded the Humane Society of Tampa Bay with its highest rating, four out of four stars. The rating system evaluates non-profit organizations from across the United States on their fiscal management as well as their commitment to accountability and transparency. Receiving four stars signifies an organization’s adherence to good governance, fiscal responsibility and minimizing the chance for unethical activity. For an organization to receive the highest score year after year is a notable achievement.

“Only 9% of the charities we rate have received at least 3 consecutive 4-star evaluations,” said Ken Berger, Charity Navigator’s President and CEO. “[This indicates] that Humane Society of Tampa Bay outperforms most other charities in America.”

Berger also noted that the four-star designation “differentiates Humane Society of Tampa Bay from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, has a long history of best practices.

“Ours is one of the most important businesses, the business of saving lives,” said Sherry Silk, executive director of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. “Because of that, we are deeply committed to conducting our business with the highest ethical standards and best practices available. We continually strive to be a leader in animal welfare and this four-star rating from Charity Navigator is a strong indication that we are on the right track.”

Charity Navigator evaluates ten times more charities than their competitors and has been celebrated as the leading charity evaluator in America by Forbes, Business Week, and Kiplinger’s Financial Magazine.

“This important designation by Charity Navigator enhances our fundraising efforts by giving our donors peace of mind that their money is going to be handled responsibly and designated according to their wishes,” said Nancy McCall, Director of Development of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. “Currently, eighty-five cents of every dollar donated goes to our programs to help the animals. That makes us extremely proud.”

Charity Navigator, America’s leading independent charity evaluator, works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability and Transparency of America’s largest charities. For more information visit www.charitynavigator.org.