September 8, 2005

Dear Colleagues, Industry Partners, and Interested Members of the Public,

We've all witnessed the heartbreaking news coverage of those whose lives and futures have been literally uprooted by hurricane Katrina. As veterinarians, we know the long-term animal and public health effects of this tragedy are likely to compound and exceed the property destruction that is immediately apparent.

Sustained relief efforts will require a massive commitment of personnel and resources, and veterinarians have already responded with their usual professionalism and compassion. Volunteerism, ranging from service on the front lines, to provision of needed expertise and supplies, to offers of housing for displaced people and animals, abounds. The AVMA has received hundreds of calls, faxes, and e-mails from members offering their services and looking for ways to help.

Recognizing that not everyone can provide direct assistance to those affected, the AVMA has come up with another way to maximize your contributions to the relief effort. Paralleling its fundraising efforts after the tsunami, the AVMA has pledged $500,000 to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation's (AVMF) Animal Disaster Relief and Response Fund. This pledge takes the form of a challenge grant, to encourage AVMA members, industry partners, and members of the public to contribute to the Foundation's support of animals and people affected by hurricane Katrina, including your veterinary colleagues whose practices and lives have been directly impacted. The AVMA will match donations, dollar-for-dollar, until the grand total reaches $1 million. As a sign of faith in your generos- ity, the AVMA is contributing $100,000 immediately to jump-start the program.

Since day one, Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMATs) have been on the ground, saving lives and improving animal and public health in the hardest-hit areas. Team members tend to animals, assess damage to animal healthcare infrastructure, and provide assistance to local veterinarians who are struggling to get back on their feet so they can provide care for pets, livestock, and wildlife in their communities. This new fund will directly support VMAT efforts by providing much needed monies for equipment and services, including veterinary medications and supplies, animal feed, boarding facilities, and transportation.

Please make a generous, tax-deductible contribution to the Animal Disaster Relief and Response Fund today. Checks should be made payable to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation and "Animal Disaster Relief and Response Fund" should be specified in the check's note section. You may mail your contribution to the AVMF at
Department 20-1122, PO Box 5940, Carol Stream, IL 60197 or give online at www.avmf.org.

Thank you for your generous support,

Sincerely,

Henry E. Childers, D.V.M.
AVMA President