VOLUNTEER MEETING
February 21, 2024 6:30 p.m.
Festival Foods - Janesville, WI

The meeting was called to order by Vice-President Mark Boeche. Board members in attendance include Sheila Jadoul, Rhonda Karlen, and Christina Zink (Treasurer). Absent were Steve Caya (President) , Emily Dykstra (Secretary), and Debbie Hess.

Welcome to guests Annette Baker (who adopted Lexi), Jean Schaefer, Emily Kerl, and Joe Miller.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

CAFÉ (Companion Animal Food Effort)/Shiela Lund:

In January, CAFE took in approximately 5700 pounds of food. 1100 pounds of this food was directed to the Foster Cat Program. The remaining food will be distributed to the seven local food pantries that Friends of Noah work with.

NOAH’S ANIMAL FUND/Rhonda Karlen:

NAF has paid out $600 on behalf of Murdock (dog) for a tumor
Daisy has been approved for approximately $750 for a dental.

SAFE (Savings Animals through Focused Education)/Dawn Espinosa

SAFE (the educational arm of Friends of Noah) is still looking for a leader.
Two of the community events scheduled in April focus on children. Friends of Noah will have SAFE activity handouts available for the kids.

ANIMAL UPDATE

Jessica (cats)

There have been 15 adoptions (including calendar cover girl Brynn who was just adopted).
6 cats have been taken in.

Sue (dogs)

Echo is available for adoption now. She is looking for a ‘high-energy’ home.
Lombardi Star will be available after March 8th.
Bob is a black lab who was taken in from a senior rescue. He is 17 months old and weighs about 50-60 pounds.
Jax has gone back to his owner.
There have been many inquiries from people looking to rehome their dogs. Many of these dogs have aggression issues which Friends of Noah is not equipped to deal with. Those are referred to other rescues and behavioral specialists as appropriate. .
Winnie came to Friends of Noah in 2022. After being treated for heartworm, she was adopted. Unfortunately, Winnie redeveloped heartworm in December, resulting in seizures and a stroke and Winnie had to be put down. Heartworm prevention may be costly but worth it.
More dog fosters are needed.

TREASURER’S REPORT/Christina Zink:

Adoption fees taken in: $1280
Donations received: $14735.18
Veterinary expenses: $5535.06

The Victorian Holiday House had over 1500 tours and generated over $7000 in donations.

It was suggested that volunteers could assist with moving totes (before and after decorating) if Mike and Tom wish to continue hosting this terrific event.

EVENTS/Dawn Espinosa:

On 2/29, Papa John's will give back 15% of orders when using a special code (PJFUND15) at the time of order. If interested in ordering, RSVP by 2/26. If FON does not have at least 20 commitments by that date, the event will be canceled. Flyers are on the counter with ordering information. *As of this writing, 20 commitments have been attained and the fundraiser will go on as planned!
Mounds Information Table: Volunteer(s) needed every 4th Saturday of each month from 10-2. This involves interacting with the public and petting lots of dogs!
People for Pets at Mounds: During February, Mounds Janesville will double (up to $1) any donations made during checkout. Volunteer(s) still needed for 2/24. Sheila J will do this if no one else is able - thank you, Sheila!
Basics Co-op Round-Up: During March, any ‘round ups’ made at the time of checkout will be donated to Friends of Noah. In order to educate the public as to who Friends of Noah is, there will be an information table on 3.5 and 3.16 which are higher-traffic days of the month. Volunteer(s) are needed for 2-hour shifts.
Stoughton: The Crazy Dog Mom, a pet boutique, is hosting a monthly ‘community focused shopping night’. Each month will feature a different non-profit. Friends of Noah has been selected as the non-profit for March. This event will be held on 3/28 from 5-7pm. Adoptable dogs are welcome to attend (if available). Volunteer(s) will be on hand to answer questions and provide handouts.
Evansville Family Fun Night and Beloit Winter Farmers are 4/12 and 4/13 respectively. These events will be child-focused and SAFE materials will be provided. Dawn will check with those event coordinators to see if Trish would be able to bring Willy to either of these.
Kitten Shower has been scheduled for 4/20. More details coming soon but raffle baskets will be needed!

Sign-up sheets are on the counter for anyone who would like to sign up tonight. Sign-ups can also be done online by going to the FON website under Events.

MISC:

Friends of Noah has partnered with Roden Elegant Gardens for a flower fundraiser. Hanging baskets, planters, and succulents are available to order and will arrive in time for Mother’s Day. Paper order forms were distributed. Those forms and money should be returned to Christina Zink at the next Volunteer Meeting on 3/20. This fundraiser has been added to the Friends of Noah website for easy online ordering. Friends of Noah will receive approximately $10 per item.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20th at 6:30 pm.

committee chairs

Companion Animal Food Effort:
Shiela Lund
Noah’s Animal Fund:
Rhonda Karlen
Saving Animals through Focused Education:
Dawn Espinosa
Foster Coordinator:
Rhonda Karlen
Cat Intake, Fostering, Adoption:
Cindy Jensen
Dog Intake, Fostering, Adoption:
Sue Showers
Mounds Adoption Center Coordinator:
Cindy Jensen
Volunteer Coordinator:
Sheila Jadoul
Marketing Manager:
Dawn Espinosa