2011 End of Year Recap

December 17, 2011

We just wanted to take this opportunity to touch base with you to give you a brief yearly recap for Friends of Texas Wildlife.

At the beginning of 2011, it was hard to imagine where we’d be today. We were very focused at that time on being able to open an intake facility and were working very diligently towards that end. We were most fortunate to have an individual benefactor approach us with an offer to purchase a property for us. After what seemed like an exhaustive search, we found a wonderful property, a diamond in the rough as it were, but with much potential. The property was purchased, spruced up, and renovated to meet our needs. We are confident this facility will enable us to assist even more animals than ever and we are excited to finally have a central location for our rehabbers and members to access our services.

We faced many challenges this year with the drought and extreme and ongoing heat of this past summer. Many of the animals we took in were severely impacted by these conditions. These animals were severely emaciated, dehydrated, and malnourished. Many of our rehabbers kept spring and summer babies in their care for longer than usual as release locations did not have enough available food or water to allow for release. Friends were able to coordinate extra food drives, a water-for-wildlife program, and fundraising appeals to help offset these extra challenges. Our annual fall fundraiser was a big success, but of course the need for funding is a continuing concern. We are more committed and determined than ever to help as many animals as we are able. Friends of Texas Wildlife remains the only group based in Montgomery County, and as the county grows and expands so does the need for our assistance.

The Board of Directors remains fully committed to Friends of Texas Wildlife and our mission. We truly value all of our members, supporters, and volunteers and hope you will remain committed to us as well. As we move forward into 2012, we encourage you to contact us if you have any questions, concerns, or want more information about volunteer opportunities. Feel free to contact any board member, or drop by the center during our regular hours of operation (currently Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Thank you so much for your support. We truly appreciate and value all our friends! If you’re still looking for a nice year-end tax deduction, please remember us. You can donate through Paypal on our website at www.ftwl.org, or via mail at P.O. Box 130786, The Woodlands, TX 77393-0786. Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy new year.

Janette Winkelmann
President Friends of Texas Wildlife