Anonymous donor establishes lasting financial support for animal welfare in Hood River County
HOOD RIVER, OREGON — October 16, 2026 — Hood River Adopt A Dog has received a $1 million endowment gift from an anonymous donor, marking a significant milestone for the nonprofit organization and creating a lasting source of support for animal welfare in Hood River County.
The gift reflects the donor’s deep love of animals and commitment to ensuring that dogs in need receive compassionate, responsible care. Endowment distributions will help fund essential services, including veterinary care, spay and neuter clinics, adoption programs, foster care, food, and shelter operations.
“There are moments in nonprofit work that truly leave you speechless, and this is certainly one of them,” said Amy Mallett, President of the Board of Directors for Hood River Adopt A Dog. “To know that someone believes so deeply in our mission that they would make such an extraordinary investment in the future of animal welfare is incredibly humbling. We recognize the tremendous responsibility that comes with this gift.”
Unlike a traditional donation intended for immediate use, the $1 million endowment is designed to provide financial support for generations. The gift will be invested and managed by the Gorge Community Foundation, with distributions made according to the endowment’s governing agreements and investment policies.
Under the anticipated structure, distributions may be authorized at a rate of up to 5% of the fund’s value. Based on the initial $1 million, that could represent approximately $50,000 annually, although actual distributions will vary and are not guaranteed. The goal is to preserve the endowment’s long-term value while providing ongoing support for animal care.
“This donor has given Hood River Adopt A Dog something rare: support it can count on every year, no matter what. Our role at the Gorge Community Foundation is to invest the gift carefully, carry out the donor’s wishes, and make sure it keeps caring for animals and teaching kids’ compassion for decades to come. We’re honored to be trusted with this gift, and we hope it shows others in the Gorge how a legacy gift or endowment can sustain the causes they love,” said Tucker Szymkowicz, Executive Director of the Gorge Community Foundation.
“This is not a million dollars to spend. It is a million-dollar commitment to the future of animal welfare in our community,” Mallett said.
While the gift provides an important foundation for long-term financial sustainability, Hood River Adopt A Dog emphasizes that community donations, fundraising, volunteers, foster families, and local partnerships remain essential to its daily operations.
“One of the greatest challenges in animal welfare is that the need never stops,” Mallett added. “Animals will continue to need medical attention, safe shelter, loving homes, and people willing to advocate for them. This gift strengthens our ability to meet those needs well into the future, but it does not mean our work is fully funded.”
The Board of Directors expressed its sincere appreciation for the donor’s extraordinary generosity and confidence in the organization.
“We are profoundly grateful for the generosity and trust this donor has placed in Hood River Adopt A Dog,” Mallett said. “This gift reflects a deep compassion for animals and a belief that their care and well-being matter. We are committed to honoring the donor’s wishes through thoughtful stewardship and a lasting dedication to the animals we serve.”
About Hood River Adopt A Dog
Hood River Adopt A Dog is a nonprofit, no-kill animal welfare organization serving Hood River County, Oregon. Through adoption services, compassionate animal care, foster programs, community partnerships, and dedicated volunteers, the organization works to improve the lives of dogs in need while promoting responsible pet ownership and helping animals find safe, loving homes.
Media Contact:
Amy Mallett
President, Board of Directors Hood River Adopt A Dog president@Hoodriveradoptadog.org