Fuzzy Friends Animal Rescue named TFNB charity champion
WACO, Texas (KWTX) — This week’s TFNB Your Bank for Life Charity Champion is the largest no-kill shelter in Central Texas, which has rescued more than 10,000 animals since being founded nearly 30 years ago.
Fuzzy Friends Animal Rescue says 2025 has been an incredible year of growth as they continue the important work of saving dogs and cats.
Sam Brown is the new executive director of the shelter, taking the reins after the retirement of the group’s founder, Betsy Robinson.
“2025 has truly been a remarkable year for Fuzzy Friends Rescue,” Brown said. “Our adoption numbers are up, our events and fundraising have exceeded expectations, and we’ve been able to say ‘yes’ to more animals in need than ever before.”
Fuzzy Friends says nearly a million animals are euthanized at shelters every year, and that’s a statistic they dedicate their work to improving every day.
Fuzzy Friends has had a great year with fundraising efforts.
In October, actor John O’Hurley, who played the eccentric J. Peterman on the hit NBC sitcom “Seinfeld,” was the featured speaker for the Guardian Angel Society’s Champagne Brunch at Ridgewood Country Club in Waco.
O’Hurley’s appearance, coupled with the gathering of generous donors, left the nonprofit with a record-breaking event.
“It was a huge success, and we set two new records for Fuzzy Friends,” Brown said.
The first record was the number of people who attended. A total of 145 women who have joined the Guardian Angel Society were on hand.
The Guardian Angel Society was started by just a handful of women in 2020 and has grown every year since. They raise funds to make sure medical care from routine vet visits to life-saving surgeries are available for homeless dogs and cats at the no-kill shelter.
“This community has shown extraordinary generosity with their time, their hearts and their resources,” Brown said.
Fuzzy Friends is preparing for their biggest fundraiser of the year with Barkin’ Ball, sponsored this year by Parsons Roofing.
The Barkin’ Ball event will be moved to Jan. 23 instead of the usual New Year’s Eve date.
For more information or to purchase a ticket or sponsor, visit fuzzyfriendsanimalrescue.com.
As part of being named a TFNB Your Bank for Life Charity Champion, Fuzzy Friends will be given a free marketing campaign and free leadership training.
The nonprofit was recognized on the field at the final Baylor home game over the weekend.
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