Napa Valley Community Foundation announced the second round of grants from The David and Jane Gotelli Family Fund, which was created through a generous bequest from the late David and Jane Gotelli to support small animals in Napa Valley.
The Gotellis were longtime Napa residents who both passed away at age 87. The endowed fund creates a permanent income stream to support yearly grants to organizations dedicated to the health, welfare, humane treatment and adoption and care of small animals.
The first round of grants totaling $115,000 from the fund was disbursed in 2020 to seven organizations.
Grants for 2021 have been made to 10 nonprofit organizations and public agencies whose missions are to improve or sustain the welfare of small animals throughout Napa County, including: Friends of Napa County Animal Shelter; Humane Society of Napa County & SPCA Inc. (aka Napa Humane); Humane Society of the North Bay; Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch (dba Jameson Humane); Napa Community Animal Response Team (Napa CART); Napa County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center; Ripple Effect Animal Project; We Care Animal Rescue; Wildlife Rescue Center of Napa County; and Wine Country Animal Lovers.
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In total, the $190,000 in grants will provide programs such as rescue and adoption, medical care and spay/neuter to benefit more than 11,000 small animals and their people.
“These grants go to the heart of who we are as a Foundation and what we value as a community,” said Ed Matovcik, chair of NVCF’s Community Programs & Grants Committee. “The Gotellis entrusted us to continue their compassion for small animals in need. They would be so happy to know their legacy lives on through these grants and incredible organizations.”
The next round of grants will be made from the fund in early 2022 to qualified nonprofits and public agencies that seek to improve or sustain the welfare of small companion animals throughout Napa County.
For more information on the request for proposal/grant application process, contact NVCF Director of Programs & Philanthropic Engagement, Rejane Brito at rejane@napavalleycf.org or 707-254-9565, ext. 22.
For information about legacy giving through a will or trust to support your own charitable goals, contact NVCF Vice President of Development & Communications, Lindy Solow Bouwer at lindy@napavalleycf.org or 707.254.9565, ext. 13.
WATCH NOW: WARTHOGS AND OTHER ANIMALS AT SAFARI WEST
Safari West, near Calistoga in Napa Valley, is home to some 80 different species of wild animals including these warthogs and pigs. These animals are not currently on display to the public, but here's a behind the scenes look.
SEE PHOTOS OF NAPA COUNTY'S MOST-BELOVED PETS, APRIL 2021
Happy Tails: Photos of Napa County's most-loved pets, April 2021
Sweet Pea
A rescue, Sweet Pea learned to walk on a leash two days after never even having worn a collar. Her bed is in the living room, on top of a pillow, on top of the sofa, says Crystal Luikart of Napa.
Albert
"My name is Albert. I belong to Mike and Diane Wallace of Napa. I'm just doing my thing - checking out the neighborhood."
Boots
"Boots is going on 10 years old. We got him from a breeder about 8 weeks old. He was a 4H project for my child," says Christine Dorrough of Napa. "He has been in showmanships with the Napa Town & Country Fair and also the Napa County Fair in Calistoga. He is a Dutch rabbit and we were told he would live 5 to 7 years. He keeps going. He loves to eat cilantro, bananas, apples, and of course rabbit food. He lives in the house in a cage and has been part of the family. I love him very much."
Holly
"Holly is 4 years old. We got her at Olive Hill Kennel in Knights landing 4 years ago. Holly loves to run, explore and hunt for birds. She is friendly to everyone," says Christine Dorrough of Napa. "Would probably go home with anyone. She knows lots of words and phrases. She is also playful, mischievous and loving. Holly makes a great family dog and companion. I call her my best friend."
Zinnia Josephine Starr
"You won't find a gal that enjoys a good romp in the mustard more than Zinnia! She's a fun-loving, sweet service animal who plays just as hard as she works," says Esmè Nicolson-Singh of Calistoga.
Unsinkable Molly Brown
"I know everybody says this, but Molly truly is the smartest dog I have ever owned," says Peggy Thompson of Napa.
Simon
"Simon was an outdoor kitty, living on the streets, until he was liberated this past winter, says Valerie Morris of Napa. "He has adjusted well to his new life of luxury in the Napa Valley and enjoys sunbathing and his heated bed."
Elizabeth
Elizabeth has been a lifesaver and my best friend for the past 3 years. Her presence is much appreciated and needed," says Bryanna McKinney. "I hope she knows that she is truly the Queen. Smizing is one of her favorite things, along with my heated blanket."
Barclay
Barclay enjoys naps, snacks, and lots of cuddles, according to Dallas and Hillary Brennan of Napa.
Bailey Brigit
"A recent COVID-19 adopted older pup (7 years old), she loves Alston and Shetler Avenue dog parks, as well as car rides," says Eileen Harrington of Napa.
Chowder
Chowder’s favorite part of the day is when Dad gets home and they go to Alston Park, says Tracy Davis of Napa. "Chowder is never in need of someone to cuddle him. He’s been on family vacations, fishing on our boat, road trips, he goes everywhere with us!"
Luigi
"Luigi is a senior gentleman who was adopted from the Napa Shelter," says Brette Bartolucci of Napa. "His favorite spot is hiding between the pillows of the bed. He loves treats, cuddles, and a car rides."
Tess
Tess Cat exploring the quilt "momma" is working on, says Margaret Timms.
Suzy
Suzy is the princess of the house and loved by all, according to Jeff and Shelley of Napa. "She lazily perches herself on a bed pillow in the sun and watches the day unfold through the window."
Willow
Willow enjoying her family room.
Molly and Zoi
Molly and Zoi are Bordoodles (Border Collie/Poodle mix), says Linda Wall of Napa. "We moved to Napa last December from Concord/Clayton and their favorite place to run is Alston Park, and we go daily. Their favorite words are ball, park and treat! Doodles are the most loving, cuddly dogs ever. Worst habit is watching TV and barking at commercials, especially ones with animals and animated cartoon characters."
Mario, Mickey, Monty and Emily
Mario, Mickey, and Emily enjoy spending time with their cousin Monty in the middle. "They are all such love bugs," says Debbie Vigil of Napa.
Millie
Millie's first time in snow. What a blast she had, says Lorie Moody.
