Animal Rescue Rhode Island Announces 2016 Golden Paw Award Winners

South Kingstown, RI (February 26, 2016): Animal Rescue Rhode Island (ARRI), a no-kill animal shelter committed to bringing families and best friends together, has announced the recipients of its 2016 Golden Paw Awards. The awards will be presented at this year’s Diamond in the Ruff celebration, which takes place at The Towers in Narragansett, RI, on April 1st.

Launched in 2012, ARRI’s Golden Paw Awards recognize and pay tribute to extraordinary individuals and organizations who have contributed greatly to furthering the cause of homeless, abused, and abandoned animals. The 2016 honorees are:

• Handsome Dan’s Rescue, a non-profit that works with dogs that have the lowest chance for adoption. Through their network of trainers, foster parents and volunteers, Handsome Dan’s rehabilitates them into adoptable pets. Founder, Heather Gutshall, who will accept the award, has worked with Rhode Island law-makers to create and pass legislation aiding dogs rescued from illegal fighting situations.

• The Rhode Island Foundation, the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in RI. In the past three years alone, the Foundation awarded more than $1 million in grants to dozens of local organizations working to improve animal welfare in Rhode Island.

“We’re proud to accept the award on behalf of our generous donors and determined partners all over Rhode Island. Working together, they are expanding humane education, raising awareness and improving the welfare of animals in our state,” says Jenny Pereira, the Foundation’s director of grant programs, who will accept the award for the Foundation.

“We are delighted to honor these two amazing organizations, without whose support the homeless and abandoned animal population in RI would be even greater. We are dedicated to fully supporting partnerships that work to save and protect homeless and abandoned animals,” adds ARRI Board President, Doug Rubinstein.

The Diamond in the Ruff event will be held April 1, 2016 from 6 – 8 p.m. at The Towers, Narragansett. It features menu samples from some of South County’s best restaurants and businesses, music, and a large auction and raffle. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple and can be purchased online at AnimalRescueRI.org or by calling 401.783.7606 x 103. ALL proceeds support the homeless pets sheltered at the ARRI.

Bringing families and best friends together since 1938, Animal Rescue Rhode Island (ARRI) is a private, nonprofit, no-kill shelter that is committed to the humane welfare of animals in need, regardless of geography, time, space, breed, or humanely treatable medical or behavioral issues. Its state-of-the-art facility in Peace Dale provides a safe, temporary shelter and healthy environment for preparing animals to join their new home. The organization champions abandoned, abused, surrendered and homeless animals in need throughout New England with comprehensive rescue, adoption, education, spay/neuter, and advocacy programs. ARRI is funded solely by the generosity of private and business donors, grants, and sponsorship of fundraising events. The shelter is located at 506B Curtis Corner Road in Peace Dale, R.I. Phone: 401-783-7606; www.animalrescueri.org

For more information about this year’s honorees, visit www.rifoundation.org and www.handsomedansrescue.org