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Organization We Support 2026
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Ocean Needs Everyone
I am sponsoring the Ocean Needs Everyone O.N.E.--Ocean Needs Everyone--isn't specifically geared to protecting any one species of animal. Rather, its mission is to cleanse the oceans of plastic pollution. Plastic threatens every single creature that lives in the ocean, from the smallest plankton to the largest whale. O.N.E. is not your typical organization, because it was founded by Enzo Wilson...a teenager! Before he was even sixteen years old, Mr. Wilson got out there and founded a non-profit to protect the ocean he loves. O.N.E. runs regular beach cleanups, regular outreach to elementary schools, and has launched campaigns to help raise support for manatees and other critters, all to tell everyone just how serious the plastic crisis is. I first learned about O.N.E. when I saw Mr. Wilson competing on American Ninja Warrior, and like many other amazing ninjas on the show, he used his moment in the spotlight to spread awareness about an important issue rather than hog the glory for himself. We need more passionate kids like Enzo! Support him and his quest to protect the ocean, because the ocean really does need everyone!" Stephen Curro |
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Lucky's
Place is a private, independent NO-KILL shelter run by Animal Humane
Association of Star Valley AHASV, a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization. Mission: Started in 2008, Lucky's Place shares the same values as Taproot Guru-to be kind to animals and humans. It all began
when MaryAnn and her husband Ron were driving home and passed 2 golden
retriever mixes chained up inside a fence. No food or water. Taking
shelter under a boat hull. For two weeks they continued to pass by
and saw the physical and mental health of both pups degrade. One fateful
day they pulled into the driveway, walked up to the door, and offered
to buy the dogs with all the cash they had in their wallets. Lucky's Place was born. Over the next six months MaryAnn and Ron took over 35 dogs and 19 cats into their home. Since that day in 2008 they have placed over 2100 dogs and cats of Star Valley into loving homes. They accept old, young, disabled, pregnant, relinquished, sick, abandoned--everyone. No animal is ever killed! I met the staff and volunteers in the summer of 2025 and their love and devotion toward both people and animals was evident. In fact, it is an integral part of their philosophy. You can watch their touching short video on their website at www.luckys.place.
When I was in Star Valley, I learned of Lucky's Place at their Fourth of July pop-up at the County Fair. I fell in love with Dodger, a coon hound and black lab mix who had been in the shelter for over eight months. (Truthfully, I wanted them all!) One of their volunteers offered to meet me halfway in Green River, Wyoming to pick him up if I got home and "couldn't live without him". She even guaranteed to make the drive again to take him back to the shelter if he was not a good fit. That is dedication and kindness! These are just a few of the reasons why I chose to support Lucky's Place. If you are reading this, please consider supporting Lucky's Place or your local NO kill shelter. AHASV Annette Aldridge |
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The Gentle Barn
My selection this year is The Gentle Barn. They have several locations throughout the US and they’re currently fund raising to open a sanctuary in New York State. Their mission really touched my heart, and they are the reason I’ve finally had the strength to stop eating meat and poultry completely. They have saved countless farm animals that otherwise would have gone to slaughter, given them a safe haven, comfort and love, and they educate people, especially children, through hands on interaction with all of their rescues at their sanctuaries.
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The Happy Pants Ranch
The Happy Pants
Ranch …. The Happy Pants Ranch is an infectiously inspiring Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, located in Sittingbourne, United Kingdom. Amey James, founder and Animal Angel of the VERY best kind, devotes all her time, energies and so much love to run this sanctuary! Currently a home to over 450 animals of all shapes and kinds that are literally unwanted, abandoned and often special needs. These sweet critters would have basically no where else to go and are often on death’s door when they arrive at the sanctuary. The Ranch is solely funded by donations! All the running and caring and cuddling for all these critters comes from Amey herself and her loving, local volunteers. Recent heartbreak for Amey and the volunteers was the killing of over 160 birds on the property that were found to be infected with the avian flu, this fall, testing the sanctuary’s name to its limits. But there is strength in the work they do there. There is healing and there is determination in continuing the work they do there. “Ranch Magic” they call it! As Amey writes, “The Happy Pants Ranch is also a hub for people with mental health conditions and learning difficulties as a place where adults and children can come for free animal therapy and improving their wellbeing. Nobody comes here without getting some, of what we like to call, “Ranch Magic.”
Debbie Murphy |
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