EVBB (Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank) opened in Severna Park, MD in 1993 with the mission to provide a humane source of the highest quality veterinary blood products to dogs in need. Their donor base is exclusively volunteer (no caged dogs whose sole purpose in living is to donate their blood), all blood is drawn by a licensed veterinarian, and the blood products are manufactured to the highest veterinary standards. They process and distribute over 24,000 units of blood and plasma each year nationwide, and provide 24 hour emergency coverage.
Bottom line: they are there for our dogs should the unbelievable happen: trauma, cancer, clotting disorders, parvo, pancreatitis, vonWillebrands disease, or any other disease or post-operative condition that requires blood.
Due to the declining economy, blood needs have also decreased (tho EVBB still processed blood should the need arise). Because of this, they are $500,000 in debt. They will close their doors Nov. 1, 2010 if they do not have an influx of money to pay these debts.
What can you do?
1) Go to www.evbb.com and donate $1. There is an easy PayPal button on the home page, and EVBB will receive 93 cents of every $1 donated.
2) Send this email to 20 of your dog-loving friends. You have permission to cross-post this to any and all dog groups, rescues, training groups, anything dog related or to anyone whom you think may be able to help.
3) Publicize this email letter in your Club's newsletter or e-letters.
We believe we dog guardians and dog lovers have the power to keep EVBB's doors open. We also believe in the power of $1 donations and the power of email and our hearts to spread word of their need. Dr Ann has only been paid sporadically over the last 2 years, many of the staff have been let go, and others volunteer their services. They are tired now, tho.
I have written a few grant proposals. I am no professional proposal writer, but I would be willing to work with Dr. Ann or others there to identify potential funding sources and write a letter of inquiry or some such. I would think that the Maryland Vet. Medical Assn. could be a prospect, and the AVMA also has a small foundation. I don't know whether EVBB has done solicitations in the past. I do NOT have money but I have these skills to offer. Maybe others have more skill and experience and this will spur them to offer such help too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts, Carrie! Great idea to reach out to Dr. Ann and others to see if some sweat equity would be helpful--the main post has a link to their website!
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