Friday The 13th Won’t Be As Unlucky As Some Think, Thanks To Animal-Loving Gigi Gartner

Friday the 13th is a date that engenders all types of opinions. Some think it’s a day to hide under the covers until it’s passed. Others go out and buy a load of lottery tickets.

In the weather department, it’s going to be a day that finally is not starting off with thunderstorms.

That’s all the good news. Even better news is that the temperatures will be outdoor-friendly for putting the pedal to your bicycle to tour White Rock Lake, to leash up the pooch(es) for a stroll around your favorite path or, better yet, for meandering around the Dallas Arboretum paths while the temps are still in the 80s.

On the other hand, if you have a black cat or a bunny, keep it indoors and don’t consider offers for adoption. This date is one when North Texas animal organizations are wary of anyone seeking such four-legged critters.

And speaking of good luck and good news, word has just arrived that the Communities Foundation of Texas‘ (CFT) recent North Texas Gives To Animals program has resulted in amazing purrs and tail-wagging.

The end-game numbers have resulted in $682,000 provided by 3,478 individuals going to 267 animal nonprofits. Plus, CFT has given an additional $600,000 in grants to the following organizations/programs:

• $40,000 for The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center,
• $20,000 for Brother Bill’s Helping Hand,
• $50,000 for CHEW Animal Clinic;
• $50,000 for Dallas Pets Alive!;
• $50,000 for Don’t Forget to Feed Me Pet Food Bank Inc.;
• $40,000 for The Family Place;
• $50,000 for Meals on Wheels Inc. of Tarrant County;
• $30,000 for Meals on Wheels Senior Services;
• $50,000 for Operation Kindness;
• $50,000 for Spay Neuter Network;
• $50,000 for SPCA of Texas;
• $50,000 for Texas Coalition for Animal Protection; and
• $20,000 for Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation

According to CFT Chief Philanthropy Officer Robert Kent, ““These organizations and their leaders demonstrate deep compassion, not only for animals, but for the people who love and care for them. Whether they’re leading spay and neuter initiatives, providing pet food to owners in need, or making sure every companion animal is vaccinated and microchipped, these nonprofits are helping keep pets and their families healthy, safe, and together, and are a powerful reflection of CFT’s mission to build thriving communities for all.”

BTW, the star of the effort was animal rescue advocate/CFT fundholder Gigi Gartner, who not only served as presenting sponsor of the campaign, but also contributed $100K to support it.