Advocating for the welfare of animals while fostering community partnerships, the Vets for Pets Committee held its regular meeting on Saturday, Feb. 8, at VFW Post 1189. The event brought together committee members, volunteers and a special guest speaker, State Farm representative David Paladin, who pledged corporate support for the organization’s ongoing efforts.
Advocating for the welfare of animals while fostering community partnerships, the Vets for Pets Committee held its regular meeting on Saturday, Feb. 8, at VFW Post 1189. The event brought together committee members, volunteers and a special guest speaker, State Farm representative David Paladin, who pledged corporate support for the organization’s ongoing efforts.
--- Financial Updates & Action Items The Treasurer’s Report was presented, followed by discussions on several key initiatives:
• Plans for upcoming adoption events in collaboration with the Humane Society.
• Organizing a Star Wars-themed event on May 4 to raise awareness and support for pet adoptions. Dress your pet as your favorite Star Wars Character. This event will be held in the Pocket Park from 5-7 p.m. behind Mithril Adventure.
• A sponsorship opportunity through State Farm’s “Quotes for Good” program, presented by guest speaker David Paladin.
• Updates from team leaders, including Amber Bicondoa’s report on the dog park project and Main Street Wear’s work on T-shirts for fundraising.
• A proposal for incorporating a lunch meal before or after future meetings to encourage participation.
• Scheduling the next meeting date and agenda topics.
--- State Farm’s Commitment to Vets for Pets
Guest speaker David Paladin, a representative from State Farm, shared a heartfelt testimony about his passion for animal welfare and announced that State Farm’s Quotes for Good program would support Vets for Pets.
Paladin recounted his personal experiences with rescue animals, including his adopted pet, Little Bit, who was saved from a neglectful situation. He emphasized the emotional connections families form with their pets and underscored the importance of organizations like Vets for Pets in ensuring animals find safe, loving homes.
Through the Quotes for Good initiative, State Farm will donate $10 to Vets for Pets for every insurance quote requested by a community member who mentions the program. “We spend on marketing anyway,” Paladin stated. “Instead of putting money into companies like Google, we want to invest in local organizations doing great things. This is a way for us to contribute directly to the cause.”
Paladin also highlighted the significance of having a local insurance agent available to assist residents, noting that many competitors have moved out of town. He provided business cards to attendees and encouraged them to spread the word about the fundraising effort.
Committee members expressed gratitude for State Farm’s initiative and discussed ways to maximize community involvement. Ideas included social media promotions, outreach at adoption events, and collaboration with local businesses.
A big thanks to State Farm for providing lunch for all the committee members and guests. Lunch was spaghetti with garlic toast, Dr. Pepper, Milo’s sweet tea, and bottled water.
The meeting concluded with an open floor for requests and announcements, where citizens were invited to propose items for the next agenda.
With strong community backing and growing partnerships, Vets for Pets continues its mission to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home animals in need. The next scheduled meeting will further develop these initiatives and encourage even greater participation.
For more information about Vets for Pets or to support their efforts, contact VFW Post 1189 at 918-756-7559.
The next quarterly committee meeting will be May 10 at 12:30 p.m.
