To Confirm VEFM's Tax-Exempt Status, until it appears on the IRS list of charities

The IRS is very slow at updating their web site about new tax-exempt charities, so, if anyone is disturbed by the fact they cannot find us listed on the IRS list of charities, they can confirm our 501(C)3 status by calling the IRS (toll-free) at 1-877-829-5500. The corporate name is: The Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission LTD (EIN: 26-3396722)

For more information, visit this page on the IRS web site:
http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96136,00.html

We Now Have Non-Profit (501C3) Status!

We are very happy to report that our IRS letter of approval of 501C3 status has finally arrived. All donations are now tax-deductible, retroactive to our date of incorporation, October 20, 2008. Now we will be able to apply for grants, receive corporate donations, and really begin fundraising in earnest.

The Issue of Fundraising Events--An Important Notification

After much thought, we have decided to postpone public fundraising events until VEFM's 501(C)3 non-profit status is official. We had expected to have approval long before our two planned October events. We want to do great things with VEFM, and plan to help a lot of people and animals. However, with so much recent publicity about frauds and scams, we want to make very sure that our organization is above reproach. It is an issue of trust. We want to do the right thing and we do not want to give even a hint of questionable fundraising practices. Therefore, although we would be happy to take donations through our web site, where individuals can take their time to research our credentials, we think that it is inappropriate to do fundraising in a public forum, until we are an official 501(C)3 organization.

Important Cat Food Recall

Several lots of Premium Edge cat food (made by Diamond Pet Foods) have been recalled because of thiamine deficiency.

http://www.premiumedgepetfood.com/promotions/66/

Thiamine deficiency in cats can cause staggering (ataxia), weakness, and downward flexing (ventroflexion) of the head and neck. It is important to note that this is a very treatable, reversible condition, so contact your veterinarian right away if any unusual nervous system disorder or weakness occurs in your cat.

A Limited Time Fundraiser for Supplies Needed for October Events

We just set up an important fundraiser, to raise money for supplies & promotional items we need before the first big fundraising event for the Veterinary Emergency Funding Mission on Oct. 10-11. The next one is just one week later. Please donate at much as you can. If we don't meet the $400 goal for pledges by the 10/11/2009 deadline, we collect nothing. Here is the link-- http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-09-14.1961330646

Please tell your friends.

A Very Sad Story

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An awful story has inspired us to start a new monthly feature of VEFM--called "Watch Out!"--"Preventable Emergencies". A few days ago, a young woman came into the vet clinic, sobbing. It was only 70 degrees, so she left her dog in the car & ran into the hospital to visit a friend. She had cracked the windows & did not think she was inside long. When she came back, her beautiful black Lab was dead from heat stroke.

This was a person who had always been a very responsible. She would never have intentionally taken that kind of risk, because she loved her dog. One can only assume that she did not realize how long her visit lasted. Apparently, she was inside at least an hour--more than enough time for the temperature in the car to have been lethal. Now, she will have to live with this awful knowledge that she killed her dog in a terrible way. To me, the lesson to be learned, is DON'T TAKE A CHANCE. It's so easy to get distracted and forget how long you have been talking.

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Non-Profit Organization Attorney? (Massachusetts)

We need to find an attorney who is a member of the Bar in Massachusetts, and who is also willing to do a small amount of initial pro buono work, to help VEFM to get established. If anyone knows an animal-loving lawyer who might want to help us, please ask that person to contact us at administrator@vefm.org, or to post back here.