Update February 21, 2007
IDA Continues to Help Animals Affected by Hurricane Katrina
Benefit Concert raised funds for rescue; Transport of animals from Mississippi continues
Although almost a year and a half has passed since Hurricane Katrina first tore a path of destruction through the Gulf states, IDA is still helping the animals affected by this tragedy. Sadly, homeless animals still wander the streets, scared and starving. Uncounted numbers of dogs and cats, the offspring of animals who were never spayed or neutered, have been born since the storm struck, feeding what was already a massive crisis to begin with.
IDA is committed to helping the animal victims of Katrina, and working with those who continue to work on the ground in the Gulf region. This past weekend, IDA held our Benefit Concert for the Animal Victims of Disasters at the historic Paramount Theater in Hollywood, Calif. Hosted by singer and American Idol judge Paula Abdul, the concert raised the funds needed to continue relief work, as well as launch our Disaster Relief Fund to help animals in future disasters and fund other IDA rescue operations throughout the world.
The food, music, and festivities were enjoyed by all who attended, including IDA members, event sponsors, and VIPs. Performances by Chuck Negron (formerly of Three Dog Night), Howard Scott (from War), Robbie Dupree,
Lester Chambers (from The Chambers Brothers), Stephen Bishop, Jaared, Joey Gian, Deborah Gibson, E.G. Daily, Rich Dikerson, Tony Maiden & Amanda Maiden of Rufus, Warren Hill, Amana Melome, Laura MacLean, Sally Zito, Justin Hopkins Steve Ferrone, Alphonso Johnson, Haley Kitts, Peter Wolf, Jeff Pevar (from CPR), Jaared, John Leftwich, Seleno Clarke, Paul Peress, Steve Postell, Jeff Levine, got everyone to their feet.
While we are delighted that special guests like James Cromwell, Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop, Mariana Tosca, , Bernie Williams, the Barbi Twins, and many more, joined us for this special event, the real stars that evening were the individuals who risked their personal safety rescuing animals in the wake of hurricane Katrina, and the animal victims who attended the event. IDA thanks everyone who helped make this event a success and we hope to see you at our next one!
In addition, IDA's Connie Durkee has made seven road trips since August 2006 from Portland, Ore. to Waveland, Miss. to transport animals in need of homes to shelters in other states where their chances of adoption are higher. Shelters in the Gulf region are still overcrowded with homeless animals, and many people who lost their homes to Katrina are still living in trailers and do not have the resources to take care of an animal. Connie's most recent adventure last week, in which she drove 19 dogs and 21 cats (including three five-day old kittens with their mom) from Waveland to several humane societies in the Seattle, Wash. area, helped ease the burden on these strained shelters. She is planning to make another cross-country run in April.
IDA will continue to help the animal victims of Katrina and future disasters. Please join us in this important effort.
What You Can Do:
IDA has established a disaster relief fund to help animals in future disasters. Please help us support this crucial work by donating to IDA's Disaster Relief Fund. To donate, send checks made payable to IDA with a note reading "Disaster Relief Fund" to:
In Defense of Animals
3010 Kerner Blvd.
San Rafael, CA 94901
Donate online using your credit card. Please indicate "Disaster Relief Fund" in the first name field in the "in honor of" section of the form.