Dr. Mary E. Bates, a physician, animal welfare advocate and political advocate, began her relationship with the League. Dr. Bates, along with her financial support, kept the League functioning through the lean years—teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. Upon her death in 1954, she left an estate gift that provided for homeless animals well beyond her lifetime.

Sheilagh R. Malo connected with the League and was a strong voice and powerful fundraiser for the organization, serving on the board of directors for 53 years. The League’s Pet Memorial Garden was funded by Mrs. Malo and named in her honor.

Kathi Brock joined the League’s board of directors and, in addition to her many contributions, was primarily responsible for the success of the 2001-2003 Promise Fund capital campaign, which enlarged the Quebec Street Shelter (now known as the Leslie A. Malone Center) and built the Buddy Center. Ms. Brock was an influential leader until her passing in 2019.

Jana K. Bartlit was invited by board member Kathi Brock in 2001 to help raise funds for the Buddy Center, and Mrs. Bartlit joined the board of directors the following year. Mrs. Bartlit and her husband, Fred, underwrote the first offsite spay/neuter vehicle, the Lulu Mobile, and continue to do so. The couple also makes generous donations to the League, and they organize and host one of our most successful fundraisers, Lulu’s BBQ, which has been a tradition since the inaugural event in 2002.