The Fund Has Helped Provide Affordable Veterinary Care to 302 Pets in Southern Nevada with Support from Donors such as Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Las Vegas, NV (March 14, 2024) – Heaven Can Wait Animal Society is celebrating the first anniversary of its Romeo Fund, which provides families in need of financial support with access to lifesaving veterinary services such as critical spay and neuter surgeries, vaccination services, and more.
The Romeo Fund was established in February 2023 and was named in honor of Heaven Can Wait board member Mary Beth Hartleb’s dog, Romeo, who brought joy and love to everyone he met. Although Romeo is no longer with us, his memory lives on through the impact created through the Romeo Fund.
Last year, Tito's Handmade Vodka, also known as the Vodka for Dog People, awarded the nonprofit $50,000, which went toward the Romeo Fund and has helped provide medical services, such as spays and neuters, to over 302 pets and their families in need. The Romeo Fund impacts the lives of pets such as Chupa, a sweet husky mix who was recently rescued alongside her brother, Oso. Chupa’s new family knew she was at high risk for pregnancy and needed preventative care. The family was originally quoted $500 for the procedure, an amount they simply could not afford, so they were very grateful to learn that, with Medicaid, Chupa qualified for a $20 spay through the Romeo Fund. Now, Chupa’s family can rest easy knowing that she will live a happier, healthier life.
“We are so grateful for all of the support we’ve received over the last year,” said Rachel Bergren, Executive Director of Heaven Can Wait Animal Society. “The Romeo Fund’s first year has been a huge success, and with support from donors like Tito’s, we will be able to help even more beloved pets in our community gain access to the basic care that they deserve, without the financial burden.”
“As the Vodka for Dog People, we are always looking for ways we can support animals and their families,” says Lindsey Bates, Director of Philanthropy Operations at Tito’s Handmade Vodka. “We’ve been so impressed with the wonderful work that The Romeo Fund has done over the past year and are thrilled to have been able to support their mission, helping pets across Las Vegas receive the care that they need.”
To learn more about the Romeo Fund or to donate, please click here.
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About Heaven Can Wait Animal Society
Founded in 2000, Heaven Can Wait Animal Society is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing unnecessary euthanasia and improving quality of life for cats and dogs through spay/neuter services, quality veterinary care, community outreach, and advocacy. The organization is committed to providing accessible services throughout Southern Nevada. In collaboration with numerous rescue organizations, shelter partners, and trap/neuter/return groups they have helped over 185,000 animals since opening their doors and have kept an estimated 525,000 cats and dogs off the streets and out of shelters. The 501c3 organization relies on community support to fulfill their mission. Learn more at HeavenCanWaitLV.org.
About Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Tito’s Handmade Vodka was founded by sixth-generation Texan, Bert “Tito” Beveridge. In the mid-nineties, on a plot of land in rural Austin, he built a 998 square foot shack, rigged a pot still with spare parts, and created Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Tito’s corn-based vodka is certified gluten free. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is distilled and bottled by Fifth Generation, Inc. in Austin, Texas, and is available in Liter, 1.75L, 750ml, 375ml, 200ml, and 50ml sizes. For more information, visit www.titosvodka.com.
Media Contacts
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
titoslocal@ssmandl.com
Heaven Can Wait Animal Society
Kelly Sheehan
ksheehan@hcws.org