VBJ July 2021

THE VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
20 www.TheValleyBusinessJournal.com
July 2021
Animal Friends of the Valleys has
been selected as a California Nonprofit
of the Year 2021 by California Assemblymember
Kelly Seyarto and California
Association of Nonprofits!
Wildomar, CA (6/23/2021) –Animal
Friends of the Valleys proud to announce
it has been selected as a 2021 California
Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember
Kelly Seyarto and California
Association of Nonprofits!
Animal Friends of the Valleys is one
of the nonprofits that will be honored by
their state senators and assemblymembers
for their tremendous contributions
to the communities they serve.
Animal Friends of the Valleys is a
nonprofit animal shelter that serves the
cities of Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar,
Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake, Menifee
and surrounding rural county areas.
AFV is dedicated to promoting humane
care of animals through education,
and proactive animals service programs.
AFV’s vision is to be recognized as the
leading shelter by providing a safe haven
for all small animals while becoming a
full service animal care facility that offers
quality and affordable care.
Animal Friends of the Valleys Chosen as a 2021 Nonprofit of the Year
Through community involvement
and education, AFV will reach our vision
to help end pet overpopulation and find
a loving home for every adoptable pet
in our shelter. Last year, AFV opened
its doors to over 8500 animals and are
pleased to report we are at the highest
adoption rate in our 30 year history.
AFV works closely with all local cities
and chambers to provide services for our
community members.
Beth Soltysiak, Director of Development
added, “Animal Friends of the
Valley’s Board of Directors, Staff and
Animal Control Officers are thrilled with
this outstanding award, nominated by Assemblyman
Kelly Seyarto of District 67.
This past year has been difficult, AFV remained
opened throughout the Pandemic.
Our focus was on the animals and those
struggling through this period. Animals
bring comfort and laughter which has
been so important this past year. Thank
you to all of our cities, chambers and
community members that help support
Animals Friends of the Valleys and especially
Assemblyman Kelly Seyarto for
this award.”
“The pandemic and shelter-in-place
orders of the past year and a half have put
nonprofits – usually hidden in plain sight
– in the spotlight,” explains Jan Masaoka,
CEO of the California Association of
Nonprofits (CalNonprofits). “California
Nonprofit of the Year is an opportunity
for our elected officials to celebrate the
good work they see nonprofits doing in
their districts, and for everyone to appreciate
the collective impact of nonprofits
in our communities.”
Animal Friends of the Valleys Shelter
pets … heads and tails above the rest!
About the California Nonprofits Day
- California Nonprofits Day, now in its
sixth year, was formally recognized by
2021 Assembly Concurrent Resolution
80, authored by Assemblymember Luz
Rivas, and co-authored by Senator Monique
Limón. Each year legislators from
across California have chosen a Nonprofit
of the Year in their district.
Traditionally, honorees and legislators
are invited by CalNonprofits,
Chair of the Senate Select Committee
on the Nonprofit Sector Senator Monique
Limón (Santa Barbara), and Chair
of the Assembly Select Committee on
the Nonprofit Sector Assemblymember
Luz Rivas to a celebratory luncheon on
California Nonprofits Day. This year,
like 2020, the luncheon was canceled in
response to pandemic restrictions, but
legislators moved forward with honoring
nonprofits doing great work in their
districts.
According to “Causes Count,” a
2019 report commissioned by CalNonprofits,
the nonprofit sector is the 4th
largest industry in the state, employing
more than 1.2 million people. Each year,
California nonprofits generate more than
$273 billion in revenue and bring in $40
billion in revenue from outside of California.
The unpaid labor contributed by
volunteers at nonprofits is equivalent to
330,000 full-time jobs every year.