Since 2006, the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has played a leading role in transforming animal welfare in Philadelphia, helping to drive a nearly 50% decrease in animals entering the city shelter and increasing the survival rate for those who do. But as Philadelphia has made great lifesaving progress, the animals currently most at-risk in shelters are often sick, injured, or in need of socialization and training. They face euthanasia unless a rescue organization like PAWS can commit to their care.

As the city’s largest rescue partner, PAWS saves thousands of the most vulnerable pets each year, including sick seniors, injured strays, fragile kittens, and more. These animals often require intensive and costly veterinary care to become ready for adoption. Since PAWS is 100% donor-funded, its Medical Relief Fund makes it all possible.

To ensure they can continue being there for the animals who need them most, PAWS is launching a two-day Matching Gift Challenge on Tuesday, June 3, benefiting its Medical Relief Fund. Thanks to a generous $20,000 grant from the Foxwynd Foundation, along with support from several anonymous donors, every donation will be doubled, up to $60,000. Since launching its Medical Relief Fund five years ago, PAWS has raised more than $425,000 to save and care for thousands of sick and injured animals, thanks to the generosity of its supporters. With the Foxwynd Foundation’s investment, this year’s challenge will be PAWS’ largest yet – enabling it to provide more lifesaving care than ever before. Funds raised during this 48-hour campaign on June 3 and 4 will provide a direct lifeline for homeless pets whose lives hang in the balance.

PAWS is calling on animal lovers across the region to take part in this critical campaign, which supports cats like Szechuan. At only two years old, he was found as a stray, severely malnourished, and in urgent need of veterinary care. PAWS provided lifesaving treatment, including a leg amputation, dental surgery, and entropion repair to fix his turned-in eyelids. Despite his ailments, Szechuan quickly developed a reputation for his sweet and affectionate nature. Even through his aches and pains, all he wanted was to give and receive love. After months of recovery in foster care, he found his perfect match: a dedicated, loving family who welcomed him into their home with open arms.

Thanks to the Medical Relief Fund, Szechuan now has a lifetime of love, happiness, and pain-free living to look forward to with his new family.

Dogs like Captain Thunder also benefit from the Medical Relief Fund. This four-year-old sweetheart arrived at the city shelter and was rescued by PAWS a few days later. Sadly, a PAWS veterinarian diagnosed Captain Thunder with multicentric lymphoma, an incurable cancer with a typical prognosis of only a few months. Captain Thunder is now in a compassionate hospice foster home, where he is receiving twice-daily steroid treatment under the direction of PAWS’ medical team to help keep him comfortable. He is already soaking up all the affection, couch time, and peace of a safe, caring environment where he will be cherished for the rest of his days.

Captain Thunder poses with his foster family

The Foxwynd Foundation DAF funded the Foxwynd Foundation’s generous donation to PAWS. Their $20,000 grant will enable the organization to save more at-risk animals, reduce euthanasia at the city’s animal control shelter, and provide the medical treatment needed for homeless pets to live their best lives.

“Our partnership with the Foxwynd Foundation will have a dramatic impact on Philadelphia’s most vulnerable animals and the people who love them,” said Melissa Levy, PAWS’ executive director. “The Foundation’s support of our Medical Relief Fund brings us closer to our ultimate goal of making Philadelphia a place where every savable pet has a chance to heal and enjoy the safety of a loving home. We hope others will be inspired to give as well, knowing their support will go twice as far for the pets who need it most.”

“We are honored to support PAWS’ Medical Relief Fund Matching Challenge,” says Pamela Villagra, Foxwynd Foundation’s executive director. “By increasing their matching goal to $60,000, PAWS can expand vital medical care for pets facing illnesses, injuries, and age-related health issues. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to saving lives and advancing the mission of a no-kill Philadelphia. We are proud to stand alongside PAWS in ensuring more animals receive the care they urgently need.”

For more information on PAWS’ Medical Relief Fund  and how you can support crucial lifesaving efforts to protect vulnerable cat and dogs, please visit phillypaws.org.

About the Foxwynd Foundation: The Foxwynd Foundation comprises dedicated members of the Bentley family residing across the United States. Across numerous years, the family’s philanthropic endeavors have catalyzed significant change on both domestic and international fronts, reflecting their deep-rooted commitment to humanitarian causes. This longstanding legacy of giving underscored the imperative to establish a family foundation. Launched in January 2024 by several family members, the Foxwynd Foundation aspires to create a lasting legacy for future generations, serving as a catalyst for transformative change. With a diverse and passionate board of members, interests range from supporting domestic violence shelters and children’s aid organizations to advancing renewable energy initiatives and safeguarding endangered species. Today, the Foxwynd Foundation is dedicated to serving as a beacon of hope for communities in need, enhancing access to essential pillars of human dignity and potential, including healthcare, housing, and sustainable environmental initiatives. Learn more at www.foxwyndfoundation.org.