Is it just me or are the years flying by at an alarmingly fast pace? It seems like I was just writing this column for the end of 2021, and here we are again. 2022 has been a year of change for the charity as we said goodbye to long-time board members Dr. Monica Campos and Cara Thomas. And, welcomed in three new members of the board—Pam Lewers, Robynne Kapatkin, and Anna Boeche, who joined remaining board member Eva Richardson. 

We decided to change our fiscal year because the vast majority of donations hit in November and December. Rather than running on empty most of the year then scrambling to break even at the end, our fiscal year now runs from July 1st through June 30th, allowing us to pull in our greatest sums in the middle of the new fiscal year. This evens out our financial reports, which we hope will help with grant writing and other fundraising campaigns. 

For the first time, Harley’s Hope partnered with Safe Place for Pets and Elite Equine Rescue on a fun and profitable event—Murder Speaks Easy. Hopefully, this will become an annual fundraiser for three unique, but deserving charities. Check out a full accounting of the evening, complete with photos, below.

2022 also saw the creation of a new program—the Robert John Collins Memorial Fund. The fund will not launch until February of 2023, but will allow us to contract with bonded providers who will go into clients’ homes to offer hands on assistance with pets. It might entail walking a dog for a client recovering from back surgery. Or medicating an animal with a chronic health condition while their person recovers from their own health challenges. Why this particular service? For one, it’s needed. We have received numerous requests in recent years for the very services the Memorial Fund will provide. And, it makes sense given Bob’s own story.

Years ago Bob adopted a black and white kitten he named Moggie. He and Moggie bonded in a big way, but as Bob’s health and balance deteriorated, Moggie became a trip hazard. Sadly, she was returned to the rescue, but did find a good home. At the time this happened, there were no in-home pet care services available to assist Bob. But, now there is and we feel this is a very fitting tribute to this gentle man’s memory.

Wishing you all a very happy holiday season.