Animal Friends of the Valleys has been selected as a California Nonprofit of the Year 2021 by California Assemblymember Kelly Seyarto and California Association of Nonprofits!
Animal Friends of the Valleys is one of the nonprofits that will be honored by their state senators and assembly members for their tremendous contributions to the communities they serve.
Animal Friends of the Valleys is a nonprofit animal shelter that serves the cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Menifee and surrounding rural county areas. AFV is dedicated to promoting humane care of animals through education, and proactive animals service programs. AFV’s vision is to be recognized as the leading shelter by providing a safe haven for all small animals while becoming a full service animal care facility that offers quality and affordable care. Through community involvement and education, AFV will reach our vision to help end pet overpopulation and find a loving home for every adoptable pet in our shelter. Last year, AFV opened its doors to over 8500 animals and are pleased to report we are at the highest adoption rate in our 30 year history. AFV works closely with all local cities and chambers to provide services for our community members.
Beth Soltysiak, Director of Development added, “Animal Friends of the Valley’s Board of Directors, Staff and Animal Control Officers are thrilled with this outstanding award, nominated by Assemblyman Kelly Seyarto of District 67. This past year has been difficult, AFV remained opened throughout the Pandemic. Our focus was on the animals and those struggling through this period. Animals bring comfort and laughter which has been so important this past year. Thank you to all of our cities, chambers and community members that help support Animals Friends of the Valleys and especially Assemblyman Kelly Seyarto for this award.”
“The pandemic and shelter-in-place orders of the past year and a half have put nonprofits – usually hidden in plain sight – in the spotlight,” explains Jan Masaoka, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits). “California Nonprofit of the Year is an opportunity for our elected officials to celebrate the good work they see nonprofits doing in their districts, and for everyone to appreciate the collective impact of nonprofits in our communities.”
Animal Friends of the Valleys
Shelter pets … heads and tails above the rest!
About the California Nonprofits Day – California Nonprofits Day, now in its sixth year, was formally recognized by 2021 Assembly Concurrent Resolution 80, authored by Assemblymember Luz Rivas, and co-authored by Senator Monique Limón. Each year legislators from across California have chosen a Nonprofit of the Year in their district.
Traditionally, honorees and legislators are invited by CalNonprofits, Chair of the Senate Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector Senator Monique Limón (Santa Barbara), and Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector Assemblymember Luz Rivas to a celebratory luncheon on California Nonprofits Day. This year, like 2020, the luncheon was canceled in response to pandemic restrictions, but legislators moved forward with honoring nonprofits doing great work in their districts.
According to “Causes Count,” a 2019 report commissioned by CalNonprofits, the nonprofit sector is the 4th largest industry in the state, employing more than 1.2 million people. Each year, California nonprofits generate more than $273 billion in revenue and bring in $40 billion in revenue from outside of California. The unpaid labor contributed by volunteers at nonprofits is equivalent to 330,000 full-time jobs every year.
