GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — The Animal Humane Society received a gift of $3 million -- the largest in the nonprofit's 142-year history -- from former Toro CEO and Chairman Ken Melrose.
The gift, which was announced on Friday by AHS President and CEO Janelle Dixon, will be used for a new campus in St. Paul, according to a press release.
“This generous gift recognizes the important place animals hold in our lives and our communities – and it will help us advance the way we protect and care for animals in need for decades to come,” Dixon said.
Melrose also provided support for the organization’s first public spay/neuter clinic, which helped establish the Melrose Animal Clinic in Golden Valley. The clinic has helped AHS sterilize more than 90,000 owned animals and led to the development of two low-cost public veterinary centers that serve pets of people in need.
“Philanthropic investment in AHS saves lives in Minnesota and fuels innovation that has shaped – and will continue to shape – the way shelters everywhere care for animals and engage with their communities,” said Dixon.
According to the release, AHS takes in more than 22,000 animals in need each year — more than every other animal welfare organization and municipal shelter in the Twin Cities combined.
