New Hampshire Humane Society recognizes staff, volunteer, community support

LACONIA — New Hampshire Humane Society hosted its annual ALLY AWARDS on April 30, an evening of gratitude and recognition honoring the donors, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the organization’s life-saving mission.

“This event is our heartfelt thank-you party,” said Executive Director of NHHS Charles Stanton. “We gather to express our appreciation and celebrate the progress made possible by the compassion and commitment of this community.”

The evening featured the introduction of new staff members, including Dr. Ashley McWilliams as medical director of NHHS and its growing My Best Friend Pet Clinic, which completed more than 60 surgeries in its opening three weeks. The organization also welcomed Catt Kopera as director of animal care, Whitney Vachon as community engagement specialist, and Janae Bell to the fundraising team.

In his remarks, Stanton highlighted a year of major expansion and innovation:

• The My Best Friend Pet Clinic, offering accessible veterinary care to the Lakes Region.

• A new 23-acre property and plans for an equestrian and livestock rescue barn, with substantial funds already raised.

• Relaunch of the Pets for Life program, bringing $50,000 in veterinary services and resources to underserved neighborhoods, through national support from Humane World for Animals.

• The launch of NHHS’s sister organization, the Animal Rights Foundation, which now has international partnerships in Canada and the United Kingdom, extending the organization’s reach and mission globally.

Award honorees of the evening included:

• Lakes Region Design Group – Ally Award for Most Significant Sponsorship

• Izzy, Gigi, and Scott Johnson – Ally Award for Most Significant Individual Donor

• The Board of Franklin Animal Shelter – Ally Award for Community Partnership

• The Laconia Daily Sun – Ally Award for Advocacy

• Donna Hiltz, Denise Butcher, Kay Nyman – Constant Companion Awards for service to feline care, canine care, and fostering

• Sarah and Eliana Farruggia – Dynamic Duo Volunteer Award

• Bridget and Eliot Barnard – Buddy Award for Program Service as part of the Telling Tails Literacy Program

All attendees received a special thank-you package, including a commemorative award print, a golden heart medallion symbolizing love and compassion, and a box of Girl Scout cookies from Troop 6000, which serves girls experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

For more information, visit nhhumane.org/events.