Animal Rescue Group's 'Transformational' Gift Will Revamp Shelter

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Homeless pets in the Hamptons received a "transformational gift" recently from an ardent animal lover.

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons announced Friday that Richard Wells McCabe had made a commitment for the "transformational" gift, one of the largest in the rescue and adoption center's history. ARF will name the new Richard Wells McCabe Welcome Center in his honor.

The amount of the gift was not disclosed.

ARF has utilized the funding to begin a series of renovation and construction projects that

have been in development for eight years.

"These critical improvements to its facilities will also provide ARF’s animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors with a state-of-the-art, welcoming environment for animal care and adoption," a release said.

The project includes the renovation of ARF’s adoption center/lobby; the new Richard Wells McCabe Welcome Center will be ARF’s central hub, the first experience adopters have when they visit ARF and the place where animals meet their forever families for the first time, ARF representatives said.

ARF will also replace its original kennels, built in the 1980s, with a new building, and construct a year-round indoor training facility. ARF’s catteries will be completely renovated and
include custom-built cat features; shelter-specific HVAC systems will also be installed throughout the facility

"Mr. McCabe’s generosity to ARF will have a lasting legacy, in both the life of our organization and in the lives of thousands of animals and their families who will meet one another for the first time here,” ARF’s executive director and CEO Scott Howe said. “His gift will be a catalyst, allowing us to expand our capacity to help families in need through difficult times of economic hardship, keeping pets in homes and out of shelters. His love for our community will enrich the lives of families and their pets for years to come, and I’m honored to be part of this watershed moment in ARF’s history.”

McCabe, ARF representatives said, has supported various causes in his lifetime, including HIV/AIDS, African American youth education and animal projects.

His deep love for dogs, and the Hamptons community, moved him to make the generous gift, he said.

“Being a dog owner has given me the most pleasure in life. I can’t imagine living without a dog,” McCabe said. “It makes me very happy to be supporting ARF like this.”

A native of Columbus, OH, McCabe has worked in finance, politics, and public relations. He retired early in his career, traveled the world, and spent time in Ft. Lauderdale, the Hamptons, and New York City; he has had a home in the Hamptons for more than 50 years, ARF said.

“My gift to ARF gives me more pleasure than you can imagine,” he said. “I really wanted to make a difference for dogs and the Hamptons. I can’t imagine a better organization than ARF.”

The new Richard Wells McCabe Welcome Center will feature a modern look, including a new glass entrance, finishes, and entry system to maximize openness. The space will include retail, interview, meet-and-greet spaces, and a puppy room.

A portrait of McCabe will be placed inside the lobby.

"We are inspired by Mr. McCabe’s love for animals and honored that ARF’s Welcome Center will bear his name,” said Katharine Rayner, chair of ARF’s board of directors. “His commitment to ARF will transform how people and animals experience ARF and it will help us ensure a vibrant future for ARF for many years to come.”