If you’re reading this, chances are you’re an avid animal lover. If you’ve ever donated to Michigan Humane, you know your gift is making a difference, and that Michigan Humane is a good steward of your support.  There are some people who trust us to the highest degree and know that they can support the animals, even when they are no longer with us. This special group of individuals are members of our Legacy Society. Rita was one of those individuals.

RITA’S STORY

Rita first donated to Michigan Humane in 1987. She connected with our mission through her love for animals, especially dogs. She volunteered her time across many organizations, regularly visiting a homeless shelter and a medical care center with her dog, Mollie. Rita understood not only the joy that animals can bring to humans, but the importance of the human-animal bond.

She was not just an annual donor, but an event attendee. Rita attended every single Mutt March we hosted at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores until she passed away in 2020. Our team affectionately referred to her as the “Queen of Mutt March.” Even if she didn’t walk the grounds, she enjoyed being in the presence of other animal lovers and – of course – dogs.

Rita made the most impactful gift she could: she made a legacy gift by naming Michigan Humane in her will. She believed in us enough to continue our life-changing work even after she was gone. And she trusted in us to carry out her legacy. Today, we are proud to share her story and honor her wishes. In October 2020, Rita left this world and her legacy with Michigan Humane through a beautiful estate gift of nearly $75,000. Her love for dogs will continue to live on through the work we do every single day.

If you are inspired by Rita’s story, consider leaving a legacy and helping animals for years to come. Visit michiganhumane.org/freewill to get started or contact Kristy Mitchell at kmitchell@michiganhumane.org to learn how your legacy can help change lives.

Photo credit: Michigan Humane