Wild animal sanctuary in need of help itself
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ARLINGTON, Wash. -- When wild animals are hurt, a sanctuary in Arlington comes to the rescue. But that mission is now on life support, itself.
Facing a huge budget shortfall, Sarvey Wildlife Center reached out to the Problem Solvers. On the day we visited the center, they happened to have three birds ready to be released back into the wild.
One, a barred owl, had been hit by a car, but after five weeks of rehabilitation, she is free to fly.
"Their habitats are being destroyed," said Suzanne West, executive director of the non-profit. "And so there are more and more animals that are finding themselves in need of help."
Sarvey takes in 3,000 animals a year, like a bald eagle -- also hit by a car. It too was released after some TLC at Sarvey.
Now the work done here for 30 years is in serious jeopardy. Staring at a $95,000 budget shortfall, the center just laid off 20 percent of its paid staff.
"The expense to rehabilitate wildlife is very large," West said.
One bufflehead duck in their care needs to be tube fed every day, until it can go back into the wild. Hu Iyake, a Golden Eagle, eats venison and quail. There are many mouths to feed there and the center's busiest months are still ahead in spring and summer.
And it's expensive to keep all of these animals fed. The center might spend $500 every two weeks just to buy enough quail for the birds and when it comes to rodents, that cost might go as high at $1,500 a month.
So right now, they're pleading for donations to help creatures -- like a red tailed hawk that was hit by a car.
"Complete fracture of the femur," said the center's Mark Collins. "We consulted with our medical director and that one we actually decided to do surgery on."
With a pin in its leg, it too is back in the wild.
People witness these types of accidents and rescue these animals all the time.
"When people call us, they're looking for help," West said. "And they're not just looking for help for the injured animal that they have in their possession now, but they're looking for help for themselves because they feel terrible."
The 10 staff members and 100 volunteers are happy to not only take care of the animals, but also console the humans.
The Sarvey Center -- still dedicated to its mission -- now needs a resuscitation of cash to keep saving lives.
If you’d like to help, you can go to SarveyWildlife.org
Facing a huge budget shortfall, Sarvey Wildlife Center reached out to the Problem Solvers. On the day we visited the center, they happened to have three birds ready to be released back into the wild.
One, a barred owl, had been hit by a car, but after five weeks of rehabilitation, she is free to fly.
"Their habitats are being destroyed," said Suzanne West, executive director of the non-profit. "And so there are more and more animals that are finding themselves in need of help."
Sarvey takes in 3,000 animals a year, like a bald eagle -- also hit by a car. It too was released after some TLC at Sarvey.
Now the work done here for 30 years is in serious jeopardy. Staring at a $95,000 budget shortfall, the center just laid off 20 percent of its paid staff.
"The expense to rehabilitate wildlife is very large," West said.
One bufflehead duck in their care needs to be tube fed every day, until it can go back into the wild. Hu Iyake, a Golden Eagle, eats venison and quail. There are many mouths to feed there and the center's busiest months are still ahead in spring and summer.
And it's expensive to keep all of these animals fed. The center might spend $500 every two weeks just to buy enough quail for the birds and when it comes to rodents, that cost might go as high at $1,500 a month.
So right now, they're pleading for donations to help creatures -- like a red tailed hawk that was hit by a car.
"Complete fracture of the femur," said the center's Mark Collins. "We consulted with our medical director and that one we actually decided to do surgery on."
With a pin in its leg, it too is back in the wild.
People witness these types of accidents and rescue these animals all the time.
"When people call us, they're looking for help," West said. "And they're not just looking for help for the injured animal that they have in their possession now, but they're looking for help for themselves because they feel terrible."
The 10 staff members and 100 volunteers are happy to not only take care of the animals, but also console the humans.
The Sarvey Center -- still dedicated to its mission -- now needs a resuscitation of cash to keep saving lives.
If you’d like to help, you can go to SarveyWildlife.org
Hey Anonymous, something to think about: While it is true that the community needs Sarvey Wildlife to stay open, it's also true that Sarvey needs to be functional in order to do the work it professes to care so much about. This organization has deep roots in the community, and many community members know its founder Kaye Baxter, and have known, worked with and developed a deep respect for many of its former staff and volunteers. Before airing Sarvey's dirty laundry and badmouthing staff and volunteers, maybe you should consider that it's more important to rebuild its relationships and connections within the community. Alienating the community by badmouthing individuals is not the way to do this.Â
 Also, in all the years that I have worked with and supported this organization, I have NEVER known anybody to walk out on Sarvey's mission. More than one person has walked out on the politics involved in running this type of organization, but nobody walks away because they no longer care about the mission. I find that comment contemptible, and insulting to all the former staff and volunteers who left for reasons unknown to you! BTW, the Wildlife Trust was started by Bob Jones, and while it may not be "Sarvey's" trust, Sarvey is definitely one of the primary beneficiaries of this trust. Denying its exististance belittles the dedication Bob had for wildlife, and the incredible gift he left to help these precious organizations stay afloat. Here is one link to current information on the trust, which is not out of money.
 http://www.nonprofitzone.net/default.aspx?k=412029664
http://nccsdataweb.urban.org/orgs/profile/412029664?popup=1#forms
Their Employers ID is 911303534.
According to their IRS 990 and 501c filing, this organization had more than $426,507 in annual income and paid no taxes. Â They also have $490,012 in real estate and other assets for which they paid no taxes. Â The tax payers support for this entity for normal income tax $426,507 x est 28% = $119,421 in tax avoidance and $490,012 x 1.1% real estate tax = $5390 in tax avoidance. Â Total annual tax avoidance (or tax payer subsidies) = $124,811 in calender year 2011! Â Still say you do not get tax payer subsidies and you are completely run by donations? Â Please learn to read! Â $124,811 tax avoidance every year is not chump change!
Please list the source of your non-profit's financial statement, IRS 990 annual report and application for recognition under 501 c. Â Where are your papers? Â All donations, grants and directors compensation must be filed with the IRS, even for non-profits!
Pink, you must not read budget item. Â It's not about your propaganda news letter. Â It's about actually reading the budget line items at King County, City of Bellevue, Olympia. Â You know how to read - don't you? Â Please read and watch video of Dow Constantine from King County divert $6 to $7 million to the animal shelter, sources Seattle Times, TVW, King County Gov, Seattle PI etc... Â Honestly, Pink, do you know how to read?
What are you talkin about NWDemocrat? Taxpayers don't pay for any care received by an animal at a wildlife rehabilitation center. The centers survive with donations. It is important to donate. It is a good mission.
People in Seattle are upset about their cars getting tow'd and charged $1,000 per over-night impound. Â That's because cars are owned by property owners who have to pay the bill after their vehicles get tow'd. Â Abandoned animals don't have anyone to foot the bill, and tax payers don't read. Â So when animal rights people running Humane Societies charge the tax payers estimated $1,250 per animal for an over-night stay, no one complained about the cost. Â Well, now it's effecting their school system funding, their poor children's lunch money and elderly healthcare funding. Remember what politicians always say, taxes are fungible. Â Meaning the politicians can miss-appropriate the funding for pet projects every two years to anything other than the purpose the tax payers allocated the funding. Â
Just a reminder to read the budget line items. Â The King County Humane Society was billing all the cities around the Puget Sound as much as $13,000 a year to care for a $4.50 hamster. Â If you take a look at the budget for the Humane Society, which were run by ultra-violent liberal animal lover, the actual costs will frighten even the more profound animal lovers. Â Another example, examine the animal shelters with approximately 20 over-night pens for captured animals. Â The particular shelter claims to save 6,000 animals per year at a cost to tax payers of $7.5 million. Â This breaks down to $7.5 million / 6,000 = $1,250 per animal per night! This is because they only have 20 pens, most animals are rotated out in less than 24 hours. Â That's more expensive than the view suite with a living room with separate king size bedroom, at the Hyatt Seattle! Â That was the cost for an abandoned old dog or old cat to stay in a locked over-night pen. Â 20 pens x 365 days = 7,300 days of bedding in over-night pens! $7.5 million is enough money to fund three (3) elementary schools annual budget!
Does anybody but me see the contradiction? Sarvey Wildlife Center is spending money to save an injured Barred Owl (which I agree with) just so that it can be released and hunted down by the federal government who has declared this bird to be an enemy of the so-called endangered Spotted Owl. Sarvey does not need our money for this while the feds already have our money and are spending it on eradicating the Barred Owl.
Use the link called Birthday Bash @ http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/freedom.asp
There are pages within the link from the old website. You can view some-not all-but worth checking out :-)
There are lots of picture in the Gallery.
From the old website
Freedom's Birthday Bash
by Jeff Guidry
Back to Stories Index
FreedomThis little story just goes to show the old adage is true, "always expect the unexpected." This is especially true with elementary school kids. I was scheduled to give an Eagle program at a elementary school by Arlington Wa. It was late April and just a beautiful day, so we decided to have our show outside. The kids were sitting in the stands by the athletic field. As I spoke about Freedom and her brethren it quickly turned into a question and answer sort of thing. (Roll with the punches, you know) We were about twenty minutes into the program when I called on this young lady in the back row who had her hand up. She asked the most innocent question, "when is Freedom's birthday?" Without thinking I replied, "today is her birthday." In this latitude Eagles are born April-May, so I thought we were done with that. NOOOO...not by a long shot. Before I could move on this same young lady then asked, "can we sing happy birthday to Freedom?" I replied "sure we can, right after we finish with the questions." We continue on for another ten minutes and came to the end of our time. I asked the gathering of about forty kids if they still wanted to sing happy birthday to Freedom, it was a resounding YES! I told them we'll all sing together starting on the count of three. It was at this point our young lady in the back row took over, she jumped clear out of her seat, and with all the authority of an experienced band leader shouted..."ONE...TWO...THREE!" Every kid there joined in as we started singing happy birthday to Freedom. Half way through the song I shouted.." LOUDER!!" Boy, did I get "LOUDER". They all were screaming at the top of their lungs "happy birthday to Freedom, happy birthday to you". The teachers were stunned, just standing there with their mouths hanging open while the crescendo built. Freedom, regal as always, was soaking up the limelight. Right at the end of the song the same young lady who started this whole thing jumped straight into the air, pumping her fist and let loose a monstrous...YEAH!!! A grand time was had by all, (especially our young leader in the back row). I will never forget Freedom's Birthday Bash. Jeff Guidry
Just a thought...@Sue Mcgowan (even though you claim to not be reading this any more)Having reflected on this whole convo.....Would it be your choice to have Sarvey shut their doors? What about the animals? Should they not mean more that the people? Is it your intent to see Sarvey fail?
help this sanctuary, if you can. RT @JenniferMolidor: Wild Animal Sanctuary Desperately Needs Help komonews.com\/news\/local\/Wilâ¦FPy
You don't do wildlife rescue for the money- as there is none to be made. I hope this place can keep going. the wildlife need caring people.Â
I have volunteered at wildlife centers in the past, and I know that Sarvey is one of the better ones. I think they are the only one in the state that runs a wildlife ambulance, and provides help with wildlife rescue in the field. Not many organizations are going to show up on site when you have an injured raccoon or bobcat, cougar, eagle or other species that needs help?  They even rescued a coyote from the Federal building in Seattle a few years ago. People that work in wildlife rehab for nonprofit's do not make a lot of money...probably just around minimum wage... They do it because they want to make a difference in the world and help give back to the animals what humans have taken from them. If the board of directors of this place felt that they needed to make changes in management, and personnel it was probably for the long term survival and future of the organization..
Non-profits not making a lot of money... really...have you looked at Hospitals? ... most are non-Profit and can tell you they definitely make their share of 'NON-PROFIT' money... non-profits requirements if I remember are they have an elected board..but they are not paid.. 'however, 'employees' of the non-profit can in fact make good money!... if you ask me non-profit organizations need to be revised over what they can and cannot do for business as if you ask me hospitals and such should NOT be non-profits!
Places like this are really nice to have but it takes money to run these places...
@Freespeech and everyone else who thinks they know what's going on at Sarvey should try committing to volunteering for awhile. Baby season is here and it is by far the busiest time of the year. I think anyone who sticks around and works with the injured and orphaned animals will see the work being done and the commitment of those who work there as a volunteer or paid staff. I remember the first time Sarvey was able to actually "pay" someone in a lead position. That was a time to celebrate. If they are able to offer a stipend to more folks now, what's the problem. Sarvey is not and has never been a multi-million $ non-profit. When was the last time you tried to live on minimum wage? People need to stop blaming and assuming and get on with the goal of helping the wildlife that is lucky enough to end up at Sarvey and not end up  laying in a ditch, caught in a trap or dying a slow miserable death all alone.
Just for the record, I hope Crazy Bob is still helping Sarvey somehow from wherever his Spirit travels now.
There are pet shelters everywhere but nothing for wildlife. Wildlife needs specialty care. We need to keep at least one place where we can take our wildlife. Why doesn't anyone seem to care anymore?? We level most of their habitat and then can't even provide a place to care for them when they're injured mostly by us? Come on you guys; set politics and crap aside and save this place. We need it!
Feed the rodents to the birds...
This is the last thing I am going to write since this forum is just turning into a biig fight. I did not walk out on Sarvey, I was thrown out and I would never leave the place I loved and worked my guts out for. People were fired and banned from the clinic, it was horrible. I don't like what is going on up there but despite that I do love the animals. I think Sarvey got rid of a lot of knowledgeable people when all of this took place but I hope the people that are up there are passionate and love the animals and can give the care they need to be place back into the wild. With that I leave you all to bicker and fight as much as you want and any comment you make will not be read by me because I AM DONE. I wish you all the best!!!
@anonymous (Ms. West) Since you are the director, would you care to share what your salary is? I notice the previous director's salary according to the IRS 990 was $24K a year. You still haven't answered or commented on the Wildlife Trust Fund, why is that?
To all of the folks who volunteer to help the animals, Thank You!
barred owl: conservation status: least concern
bald eagle: conservation status: least concern
red tail hawk: conservation status: least concern
golden eagle: conservation status: least concern
bufflehead duck: conservation status: least concern
 I think it's great the work they are doing, but people should be aware that those animals are quite common and at the extreme end of the conservation status. Â
There are plenty of humans and we still try to save them... It is not about the numbers. It is about having a heart.
@lakeview those are 5 of the over 3000 animals that  Sarvey takes in each year as patients.....does the species matter? is one life more important to save than any other? If you are "handed" a wounded animal are you not obligated to assist it to the best of your ability if you are capable? I'm not disagreeing with you on the conservation status of the animals listed, just not sure the point you're trying to make.
@Mikey @lakeview  The point is that people have limited resources and should understand where their money goes. Personally, I'm not interested in paying to put pins in the legs of red tail hawks. Other people can certainly choose to do donate to those causes.Â
regardless of the "politics" or the past,   as a volunteer  at  Sarvey I can assure you that the  people caring for the wildones  are there for the animals and are working so hard to make a difference in the world, they  all,  WE all, put our hearts, souls, blood, sweat and tears and quite a few smiles into doing whatever we can to help the wildones and live by the ultimate mission of Sarvey - Kaye's Mission and legacy.... don't let it be in vain... please support us: "To save the lives of sick, orphaned, injured, displaced, and debilitated wild animals entrusted to our care so that they may be successfully returned to their native habitat. [and] To offer educational opportunities that encourage a greater appreciation of the uniqueness and perfection of each species and the ecologic challenges facing them."  Â
So in my humble opinion even if you disagree with the politics or the management,  support the wonderful people  and the amazing animals  that make the world  a better place one day, one precious life at a time.. each and every one of the people  and animals make real differences in the world, positive differences that spread ripples and inspire others to make a difference..  Thank you KOMO for running this story and thank you to all the wonderful people who help make our planet a better place. I'll continue to  volunteer and do all I can to support the wildones, the ed ones and the volunteers that make miracles happen! ( and I apologize if my grammar, punctuation or spelling isn't  correct LOL - it's from the heart and that's what matters!!)Â
@Mikey Mike is my friend, as he said we have shed our share of blood, sweat and tears volunteering at a wildlife center.  I volunteer at Ojai Raptor Center in CA.  Volunteering  at one of these centers is not just a "job" it is something we were meant to do. Volunteers, and staff at these centers are committed to caring for wildlife, and  also very much into education for both adults and children to understand how they struggle to survive. Trying to instill in school age children how important it is to take care of our wildlife in a world that is changing and endangering them as a species. Every living thing is an intricate important part of our eco system. I can't imagine someone not wanting to help a living animal they see suffering, and not even make  an effort to call for help for that animal.Â
Man is responsible for so many of the problems that wildlife has . Animals are innocent of wrongdoing, man is not.  At  least we can fix the fallout by doing all we can to make sure they get care and help, so they can be released back in the wild, one bird/animal at a time. Our ultimate goal as volunteers is to heal and release them back in the wild to be free.Â
I, too, feel like Mike does, most of us volunteers do. I will continue to do everything I can to make sure our wildlife is cared for and cared about, whatever it takes.Â
Linda
I'm so glad there are people like you in this world and organizations like Sarvey. A certain percent of our population has become numbed to the plight of our wildones. If we don't care about the lives of our wild critters then caring about human life is likely the next thing to be gone. Bless you people and the good work you do.
Sarvey provides a unique service to injured wildlife. From raptors to the tiniest baby bunny, many lives would have been lost if not for the Center. When I was there we shared the joy of a baby bird living through the night and the sorrow of having to end a life because nothing could be done. I think it's important not to lose sight of the original intent Kaye had the first time she cared for an injured animal. I believe there needs to be some honesty and the willingness to admit that there may have been some mistakes made buy current and former staff. Honesty goes a long way when it comes to healing things between 2-leggeds. If the rescue and rehab of wildlife is compromised nobody wins. The past can't be changed. What happens between people should not compromise the ability to care for injured wildlife.
That being said...I would love a link to more information about the Wildlife Support Charitable Trust or Wildlife Trust Fund.
Nobody seems to be able to answer the question about the major change in the content of the website. The old website reflected the history of Sarvey, the animals cared for, the work of volunteers to create new habitats, success stories, tributes, and had the power to connect anyone new to Sarvey to what had been done and what still needs to happen.
And...How was the BOD using/abusing the trust fund?
From the Sarvey website: "Sarvey Wildlife is a locally based nonprofit organization with funding coming mostly from private individuals in our community. The veterinarians that assist us donate their time. Our corporate officers and board of directors take no salaries."
Why is Kestrel still around if Sarvey has changed so much? She did not strike me as someone who would put up with too much BS.
For anyone who has not looked at Sarvey's Facebook page, there are some great photos.
@Stella I just went and read the fall newsletter that was linked to the main website..It explains some of the changes... The old one was probably made using old, obsolete code and hard to update, so it sounds like they are trying to make things new and fresh, and are taking advantage of social media like facebook also. Making changes is not always a bad thing.
@LovesEagles @Stella
I don't know if you ever saw the old website format but it had stories from volunteers, tributes to rescued critters, pictures of and  memorials to beloved rescued animals who have crossed over, pictures of and memorials to key members of the Sarvey story, years and years of photos of both volunteers and patients, before and after pics of habitats, stories of successful releases as well as more of the history of Sarvey.  Although the Facebook page has photos it does not begin to tell the story of Sarvey. I think it's a case of too many egos forgetting what Sarvey is all about. I believe the website has lost its personality and hope the human interest stories will be returned from the archives. That is what connected people to Sarvey-not a flashy new site with a Readers Digest approach. Any member of any indigenous culture will tell you the "value" of story telling. In my humble opinion, the new website has lost the ability to "tell" the story. Stories are part of our history and my culture. Like I said before, it looks too much like PAWS Wildlife and when I volunteered PAWS was not a role model for Sarvey. See if you can get this link to work: http://www.sarveywildlife.org/Default.aspx
I found it on Snopes and viewed it using the Internet Article WayBack machine. You should be able to click on this link or cut and paste. If not, go to Snopes.com using this link http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/freedom.asp
I think you will se what I mean and what has been lost.
@Stella I can't speak for Kestrel, but I can tell you she is an AMAZING woman and a true hero... she is still there and she is 100%  for the animals and education. She is a real inspiration and the world needs more people like her in it. I'm just a volunteer there and  I don't claim to know any of the politics or financials other than what is available through public info... what I do know is that this magical place needs to survive.
@Mikey
@Stella
 @Mikey I am so glad to know Kestrel is still there. She really is amazing. And despite all that has been said as a result of the KOMO coverage Sarvey provides a unique service to all things wild and free. In the long run, they are still saving lives and advocating for those who have no voice or choice in what happens to them.
It's sad to think that so many things may or may not have happened. Only those who witnessed them really know.
The bottom line is that, despite the challenges Sarvey faces, they are still standing and isn't that what really matters? If not Sarvey, then who? Somebody has to be a voice., Nobody has stepped up to the plate like Sarvey has and kept it going for so many years.
Each injured or orphaned creature has unique needs, eats a unique diet, and requires unique care. There are not many who do it better than the people at Sarvey. They have managed to grow and continue to care for increasing numbers of wildlife.
I think Mikey makes the most sense when he/she says, "So in my humble opinion even if you disagree with the politics or the management,  support the wonderful people  and the amazing animals  that make the world  a better place one day, one precious life at a time.. each and every one of the people  and animals make real differences in the world, positive differences that spread ripples and inspire others to make a difference."
Maybe people who are having such issues should spend some time as a volunteer before you make up your minds. I still have many unanswered questions but I do believe in the mission of Sarvey and the work they have done and continue to do.
Again I say, Mitakuye Oyasin.
It would be interesting to see their 2012 IRS 990... Looking at their 2011 form (the latest that is available), that the former staff and board were able to increase donations/revenue etc... by more than $200,000. If the curent regime isn't able to maintain that type of growth it begs to ask why were almost all of the formerly paid employee's and clinc staff replaced? Was it because they didn't agree with the policies that were being implemented by the new director or the hostile work enviornment that was being created? Maybe it was the way the BOD was using the Wildlife Trust Fund... All points to ponder. It's also interesting that they submitted an ammeded IRS form 990 that fails to include most of the required associated documents. The original did list the Wildlife Trust Fund as one of it's major contributors (as is required by law) but now, it isn't listed. They also state that you can get their IRS 990 on their website, which isn't accurate...
@Craig It is because they walked out and abandoned the mission. Pathetic egos. Non-profit 990's are not due until May 15, that is why the 2011 version is the latest available. Their "bookkeeper" (indeed she was fired) had to file an amended 990 for 2011, because she did it wrong. Good thing the place is under new management since all of the ex employees writing on this site cannot spell and have atrocious grammar. Should make one "ponder" indeed; makes me wonder why they were not replaced sooner.Â
@anonymous @Craig I see what you are saying and they are all points worth considering. However, I DO not agree with your comment about spelling and grammer. Alot of people, especially those who are younger than the baby boomer generation - those two are not always as important as is/are the points they are trying to get across. You know, like texting and ims. And many, for whom English is the second or third language (like myself), English grammer can be very confusing.   One cannot discount opinions and comments and thoughts and ideas just because of incorrect spelling and grammer.
@Robyn30 @anonymous @Craig I am not discounting valid opinions because of incorrect spelling. Just noting that "Sue" who someone pointed out was running the place, cannot spell paid. "payed"?? See below.Â
This must be a popular place. So many newbies signed up just to comment on this story. Personally, I've never heard of the place.
@Tattooed_Angel2Â Â I comment when there is something worth commenting about - and 90% of what is in the news isn't worth it...that is why you don't see my comments flapping around on every story out there.
THIS story, for me, is.
@Robyn30Â The ONLY story you have ever commented on is this one.
Since your new I'll let you in on a little info... click on your name and it shows when you signed up, how many comments you've made, and your likes.Â
We all started with the first comment.
Non-profits can be checked out on various website, which sites can show their filed IRS forms. Prior to making accusations and guesses, probably would help to verify information. And it has been my understanding that alot of the people there were volunteers instead of paid staff.Â
I, personally, have brought numerous wildlife to Sarvey - from injured hummingbirds, owls, hawks, squirrels and rabbits. Sarvey was so diligent and instrumental in helping them to heal and be able to release them back into the wild, which I have done on a few occasions as well.
All non-profits today are struggling to not only make ends meet, but to just stay open and serve their cause, including Sarvey. I have continued to make monthly monetary donations (as well as when I drop off injured wildlife), and also have given non-money donations as well, and I will continue to do so as long as their doors are open.  Â
I used to volunteer at Sarvey.  First of all I would love to know where the 2.5 million dollar trust fund came from. Rumor or fact? Would love to know. When I volunteered, before Kaye died, there was a very limited budget. Did some generous benefactor leave that much to Sarvey? Sue-I think you were there when I was there. What happened to drive you away? Looks like Jeff is in charge now. He seemed to be a good person. Where's Will? The website is totally different. What happened to all the pictures? The stories?  And everything else? It looks really corporate and not very friendly any more. Seems like things really changed following Kaye's death-especially the staff and energy. What happened? Would really like to know the back story.
@Stella Everyone who knew about the trust fund was fired whether they were paid or volunteers. There were about 10 or so including Sue. The trust fund came from "Crazy Bob" and Jeff Guidry is in charge of it.
@Stella I also verify the trust fund...Will was "Let Go" as well.Â
@anonymous @Komonewswatcher @Stella AGAIN YOU LIE! I DID NOT WALK OUT, I WAS THROWN OUT. I WOULD NEVER LEAVE THOSE ANIMALS.
@anonymous @Komonewswatcher @Stella I'm not "spewing" nonsense, trying to spread lies, or in any way discrediting Sarvey. Please don't lump me in with those who are. What I know is based on my personal experience as a weekly volunteer prior to Kaye's death. Having also known "Crazy Bob" it would not surprise me if he did have 2.5 mil tucked away somewhere. LOL. More power to him. He was passionate about all things wild and free and the mission of Sarvey.
@Komonewswatcher @Stella Everything you are spewing is nonsense. "Everyone" was not fired. And Sue knows full well she walked out and abandoned the wild animals. To now be trying to spread lies and destroy the good work done there is deplorable. Again, there is no "Sarvey Trust Fund". A charitable trust set up elsewhere is not Sarvey's money any more than Sarvey could claim that any other foundation or charitable giving fund is "theirs". Should the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation just be any orgs personal bank account? They give funding to all kinds of places, but it is not their personal responsibility to be an open check book.Â
@Stella Sarvey does not have a trust fund, indeed Jeff is still there and all the BOD members (except one new one) worked with and knew Kaye for decades. There are still many volunteers there that have been there for years and years. Many old volunteers have returned and comment on how wonderful the atmosphere is now. You should come out and volunteer again and see for yourself.Â
@anonymous @Stella Kev is the only BOD member I have not personally met. At one time or another I met or worked alongside all the others. When I volunteered most of the people there were volunteers. Sarvey has always been able to make ends meet by the dedication of its volunteers and grassroots fundraising. Having been a part of the first auction help by Sarvey,  I can say with all honesty that every dime made benefited the wildlife and nobody was getting rich. If Jeff made some $$ from his book and appearances I have no doubt it went to the Center. If Bob had 2.5 mil hidden in a sock that's great. If Sarvey was finally able to create a relationship with any large wildlife fund then what's wrong with that?  I did see a change as Kaye's health deteriorated and following her death. I don't think anyone can argue that.
@anonymous @Stella I loved volunteering. I was  65 miles away when I volunteered. Now I'm 165 miles away. I thought the trust fund thing sounded screwy. If Sarvey didn't need $ I honestly don't they would  ask for it. I miss the old website format-especially the pictures and stories. Why were they removed? In the big picture I hate to think peoples egos took precedence over Kaye's original intent and the goal of caring for all things wild. Mitakuye Oyasin.
@anonymous @Stella Anyone who knew what the website content looked like can tell you it is not the same. The newsletter is totally different, too. Like I said-What happened to all the personal stories, memorial stories, albums of pictures, volunteer stories about building new enclosures? The stories that told the story of why Sarvey is what it is? The website reminds me of PAWS and is you truly know anything about Sarvey you know the mindset about PAWS and their wildlife center.
@Stella @anonymous Keep watching the new website for new content. There will be a blog all baby season highlighting weekly events around the center. Did you look at the website link to the newsletter? The next one goes out very soon.Â