Cat Angel Network: Our Story and Our History

20th Anniversary Retrospective

by Charlotte Jay and Elaine Richert

A single decision to help a single cat for a single week – that was the humble beginning of Cat Angel Network twenty years ago in August, 1996.

The first litter of kittens, born in Charlotte's lap
The first litter of kittens, born in Charlotte’s lap

It started with a phone call from a cat rescuer about a pregnant cat on a Lancaster farm. The kitty was in danger of being sold to a company that used cats for experimentation. The rescuer was going on vacation and begged for someone to care for this cat for a week. We were horrified by the danger facing this mother-to-be, and since she was not expected to give birth for several weeks, we agreed to house the kitty in the storage room of a detached garage. But the kitty, named Mrs. Gray after a cat Charlotte had as a child, decided she couldn’t wait, and on the first day of her “visit,” five baby boys were born in Charlotte’s lap.

The rescuer never returned to pick up the kitties, and the mama cat and her kittens stayed. We found forever homes for Mrs. Gray and two of her boys, and these became our very first adoptions. (Want to make a guess who became CAN’s first “foster failure” and adopted the other three boys?)

News has a way of traveling fast, and it wasn’t long before people started contacting us to help with a cat shot with BBs, a thin stray, and unwanted cats at a housing development. With each additional cat we said, “Well, it’s just one more – no big deal.” Soon we began to realize that we would need to have a plan if we were going to continue to take “just one more.” So we worked out a system for the intake, care, and adoption of kitties. We cared for as many as our pocketbooks could afford, solicited adopters from a tiny ad in the Pottstown Mercury newspaper, and had a $35 adoption fee, with adopters signing a Spay/Neuter Agreement. As expenses (and the number of cats) grew, we began to seriously consider taking a GIANT next step, that of changing our informal project into a bona fide, non-profit corporation.

Sheldon & Bodey snuggling at the shelter
Sheldon & Bodey snuggling at the shelter

We discovered the process is neither easy nor inexpensive. There are pages of complicated forms to fill out, and thousands of dollars of fees to be paid. Our first challenge was registering a name for our non-profit that was not already being used in the state of Pennsylvania. In the ‘90’s The Oprah Show often featured her charitable “Angel Network,” providing assistance to people in need. From this we coined the name “Cat Angel Network,” with the inspiring acronym we love – CAN. Then in March, 1998, we were granted our 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt status which allowed us to solicit tax deductible donations so we wouldn’t have to continue personal funding. We were on our way!

We realized that we needed capable people to handle the many functions of operating an organization and so a Board of Directors was formed. They created the mission statement that has guided us to this day with its philosophy of operating as a no-kill, all volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue, spay/neuter, and adoption of abandoned cats. Our motto “Together, we CAN make a difference!” reflected the acknowledgement that it would take the efforts of many caring volunteers to do this work.

We have indeed been blessed over the years with attracting capable, qualified, and cat loving volunteers. Some of our volunteers agreed to become foster parents, and these foster homes enabled us to increase the numbers we could help. Of course, we had no trouble acquiring the cats, but obviously this ability to foster additional kitties affected our need for an outlet for adoptions.

Two of 80 kittens rescued during a large TNR project (2005-2006)
Two of 80 kittens rescued during a large TNR project (2005-2006)

Our prayers were answered when we were contacted by the manager of PetSmart in Downingtown in early 1999 with the very welcome offer to become their store’s adoption partner. We have continued that wonderful relationship for the past 17 years. In October, 2005, Petsmart opened its Pottstown store, and we became the adoption partner in that store in addition to Downingtown. We’ve had a very successful and rewarding relationship with them for the past 11 years. Our association with this second store pushed our adoption numbers for the year 2006 over the 600 mark for the first time! We look forward to the opportunity to find many more loving forever homes through both our adoption centers.

Raising funds to cover the extraordinary expenses involved has always been a challenge. Two ongoing events have greatly helped to keep us going. In the spring of 2002, we held our first Annual Benefit Concert at the West Chester University, and we haven’t missed a year since. Our first auction was held on November 8, 2003. It was an art auction and was so successful that we decided to expand it and hold an Annual Auction that included both silent and live auctions of all-donated items. It has continued to be our major fundraiser ever since.

Shelter expansion in 2001
Shelter expansion in 2001

The funds raised through these efforts were instrumental in turning that detached garage on private property into a heated eight room shelter, plus a small storage area and a bathroom dubbed the “CAN CAN.” Volunteers installed flooring and painted walls, including the addition of beautiful stenciling in each room. Slowly but surely the shelter was outfitted with cages, cat trees, and all the equipment necessary to comfortably care for cats and kittens and prepare them for adoption. Today hundreds of kitties every year pass through the meticulously maintained rooms of the shelter on their way to foster homes or to Petsmart. Other cats, especially the shy and senior ones, have become life-long residents who are lovingly pampered by our shelter volunteers.

It is so satisfying to look back over the years and think about the thousands of kitties who have been touched by the work of CAN. Where would they be if we had not decided to open that storage room to Mrs. Gray in August of 1996? The many volunteers, fosters, trappers, veterinarians, donors, adopters, etc. who have been a part of this twenty year journey have to know that they have indeed “made a difference.” Looking forward, we are committed to standing together to improve and expand our efforts, for we know that the work continues!

Annual Benefit Auction – October 23, 2016

cat-bag-5We will be putting our best paws forward for this year’s gala auction, and we really want YOU to come join in the fun. It’s all happening on Sunday, October 23rd in Griffith Hall at the Ludwig’s Corner Fire Company. With both silent and live auctions, excellent food, and a room filled with cat lovers, the event is always too fun to miss! There is no pressure to buy, but few can resist the wonderful bargains, creating a “purrfect” opportunity to do a little holiday shopping. We will have a great variety of terrific items up for auction.

We are most fortunate to have Bud and Annette Smith from Smith Auction Company running the live auction. They make bidding fun and easy for the novice auction attendee!

Auction FAQ

When and where is the event? The date is Sunday, October 23rd from 2-5 p.m. Registration begins at 1:45. Silent auction tables begin closing at 3:15 and the live auction starts at 3:45, so we suggest that you arrive no later than 2:15.

The event will be held in Griffith Hall, a part of Ludwig’s Corner Fire Company. The address is 1325 North Pottstown Pike, Glenmoore, PA – conveniently located on Route 100.

Where do I get tickets? The price of admission is $20 per person in advance (by October 15th), and $25 at the door, or October 15th-23rd. Admission includes delicious hot and cold hors d’oeuvres. There are no physical tickets, and you can purchase admission right here on our website using a major credit card or PayPal. Your name will be on a list of attendees, so you will only need to check in at the door. We strongly encourage ticket purchase in advance and appreciate receiving your credit card or PayPal payment by October 15th. (Tickets at the door will be $25 and will available on a first come, first serve basis.)

auctiontickets

Dress? We suggest “business casual.”

How can I help make this event a success? If you would like to contribute a new item for the auction, please contact Henry. Also, we could use help advertising the event – you can help us by downloading, printing, and distributing or posting the promotional flyers (which may be found at the end of this article). In addition, we would love to have the assistance of one or more businesses or individuals to cover all or part of the cost of the fire hall. This expense is $650.00. If you would like to cover this cost in full or in part, please contact Henry.

What type of items are acceptable for the auction? Unique items, restaurant gift certificates, practical items, jewelry, items of value, and bottles of wine tend to go well at the auction. Since we have limited table space, we may not be able to accommodate many very large items with a value of less than $60.

What is the deadline to donate items? The deadline is October 7th. After that date, we may still be able to take high quality items that will bring a good price at the auction.

What payment is accepted at the event? Cash and checks for purchases under $100. Credit cards can be used for purchases over that amount.

Other questions? Please contact: Henry Grabb at catangelpa@aol.com (or call 484-947-3684).


Auction Flyers

2016 Flyer (Large)
8 1/2″ x 11″ (letter size)
5 1/2" x 8 1/2" (half sheet letter size)
5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ (half sheet letter size)

Redner’s Changes Receipt Program

Effective August 2016, Redner’s Warehouse Market is replacing the former Redner’s Pump Perks Card/Save-A-Tape Card. In order for you to get your new Redner’s Rewards Card. just go to the courtesy desk to obtain your new Rewards Card.

Thanks to you for turning in your Redner’s Market register tapes. We received approximately $1236 in 2015 from Redner’s Markets. We receive 1% of the total receipts on the tapes.

Please keep saving your register receipts and bring them in to the adoption centers at Petsmart in Downingtown and Pottstown. You can also mail them to us at Cat Angel Network, P.O. Box 3071, Stowe, PA 19464 PLEASE remember to save the ENTIRE register tape. Do not alter or cut the tapes in any way as they will not be accepted if the entire tape is not submitted. It’s an easy way to help Cat Angel Network and it doesn’t cost you anything!

Be sure to show the cashier your Redner’s Rewards Card when you shop at Redners to make the register tapes count for CAN. If you don’t have a Redner’s Rewards Card, ask for one at the customer service counter.