Foundation Raises More Than $20,000 For Pet Rescue Causes

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Johns Creek, GA -- The Jonny & Xena’s Spread the Words Foundation, Inc. on Tuesday said it has raised more than $20,000 in cash and supplies from two events it recently hosted.

The Johns Creek-based organization’s inaugural GEICO Jonny and Xena Spread the Words 5K/Fun Run was held at Suwanee Town Center and the I’m Not a Monster shelter drive was conducted to benefit autism programs and animal rescue initiatives in the Atlanta metro area.

The race had over 500 participants, including groups of virtual runners representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C. and countries such as Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Korea, Spain, Hong Kong, Mexico, Japan, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

A participant who flew in from Mexico to support the cause was given an award for furthest traveling physical runner.

I’m Not a Monster is a nationwide shelter drive benefiting homeless pets waiting in shelters and temporary boarding facilities, while promoting shelter pet adoption.

The Spread the Words Foundation created an Amazon wish list designed specifically for the needs of the animal welfare organizations, and shared that list through social media.

It also organized a donation drop off site at the Furever Fit Pets facility in Johns Creek.

Hundreds of packages arrived, providing needed supplies including food, toys, beds, treats, leashes, collars and equipment to help shelter employees care for the animals.

The Foundation gives back to the community that has supported their efforts, and embraced the story of Jonny and Xena.

That story involves a young boy with a profound form of autism, a condition that led him to lead an extremely quiet life with little outside interaction.

Jonny’s parents, ardent animal lovers, adopted a severely battered and abused dog who, as she was being nursed to health, opened a door for Jonny that they thought would never allow the light of day to shine through.

Today, Xena is using her fame and her love of Jonny to spread the words and to help support animals in need and to shine a light on autism.

“After we adopted Xena, our world changed,” said Linda Hickey, president of the foundation. “This warrior puppy who was found clinging to life, beat every single odd against her. She was not only destined to survive and help transform the life of one boy with autism, but I believe she was meant to continue her miracles through service within her community, all while capturing the hearts of thousands from all around the world. Jonny and Xena are truly a match made in heaven and through this blessing, my heart tells me I have to give back and make a difference.”

The award recipients embody the Foundation’s mission of awareness and support and will be used to enhance the autism and special needs classrooms at Roberts Elementary, Lambert High, Medlock Bridge Elementary and Centennial High schools, and the animal rescue efforts of the Georgia SPCA, Friends of Dekalb Animals and Planned Pethood.

The I‘m not a Monster shelter drive raised over $3,000 in much needed supplies, which were delivered to these animal welfare organizations.

The Jonny and Xena’s Spread the Words Foundation is a 501 (c)3 non-profit benefiting animal rescue and autism awareness. The Foundation is involved with Junior Civitan Clubs, Protecting Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) chapters, and “Homeless Pet” clubs in schools, learning about Xena and Jonny’s story, autism, and the importance of pet rescue.

For more information about the Jonny and Xena’s Spread the Words Foundation, visit the Facebook page or call 770-851-0642.

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Photo 1: Friends of Dekalb - Chrissy Kaczynski, Founder with Xena
Photo 2: Planned Pethood - Tom Bagwell, Clinic Operations Manager, with Xena
Photo 3: Medlock Bridge ES - Tiffany Hutchens, Principal; Keri Michaelis, PTO President; Jonny; and Xena
Photo 4: Roberts ES - Dr. Dion Jones, Prinicipal; with Jonny and Xena
Photo 5: Lambert HS - Dr. Gary Davidson, Principal, with Jonny and Xena
Photo 6: Georgia SPCA - Jane Lumbatis, Executive Director, with Xena
Photo 7:Centennial HS - Mrs. Kibbey Crumbley, Principal, with Jonny and Xena
Photo credits: The Jonny & Xena’s Spread the Words Foundation, Inc.