Take The Lead provides direct services, support and care for people

in the sport of purebred dogs who suffer the devastation of life-threatening or terminal illness.

WATERTOWN, NY -- As Take The Lead completes its 12th year of supporting people in need in the sport of purebred dogs, it has now reached two significant milestones.

A year ago, Take The Lead reached the million dollar mark in total distributions since it began dispensing funds in 1994.  And now, in its most recent fiscal year (2003-2004), Take The Lead distributed an all-time record amount of $207,515 to people all over the country.

“We are glad that Take The Lead can be there for people in the sport of purebred dogs and provide some very real assistance and comfort in difficult times,” said Chairman Edd E. Bivin. 

“The reality is that Take The Lead represents all of the people around the country who have donated money and helped with fundraising activities that make it possible for us to provide direct services, support and care,” Bivin said.  “We are quite proud of this and we think the people in the sport of dogs can share in that pride.”

Take The Lead was established in 1993 and began to distribute financial support shortly thereafter to individuals and families facing the realities of life-threatening and often financially devastating illnesses. 

In the most recently-completed fiscal year, payments for housing expenses accounted for 44% of the support funds, which included mortgage payments ($57,189), real estate taxes ($3,924) and rent ($30,546).  Funding for medical expenses, hospital charges and prescriptions totaled $55,097, or 26% of total distributions.  Other funding support included utilities ($18,772), funerals ($18,137) and auto payments ($6,495).  Disbursements for various other expenses totaled $17,353 (see accompanying chart).

Geographically, the distribution of funds reaches all areas of the country.  For this most recent fiscal year, more than $65,000 went to clients in the Southeast region, and about $48,000 each to the West and to the East Central regions (see accompanying chart). 

“We are proud that we are covering the entire country with our efforts,” said Mr. Bivin.  “Exact distribution in any given year always depends on particular cases, of course, but we want to be there for anyone with a need, no matter where they live, if they fall within our mission and meet our criteria.”

For further information about Take The Lead, log on to www.takethelead.org or call 1-800-814-1123, or write to Take the Lead, P.O. Box 6353, Watertown, NY 13601.  All inquiries, applications and awards are held in strictest confidence.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Thomas Bradley, 3d.

(800) 814-1123        dogs@twcny.rr.com

 TAKE THE LEAD:  FY 2004 DISBURSEMENTS

 GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS:  FY 2004

TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS:  $ 207,515.77
Legend:
SOUTHEAST (8 states):  Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida
NORTHEAST (9):  Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
EAST CENTRAL (14):  Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama
WEST CENTRAL (10): Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas
WEST (9):  Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Alaska

Back to News