Dear Fellow Animal-Lover,

In 2007, following a disturbing experience involving an abandoned cat named Millie, a group of concerned Beverly residents decided to form a nonprofit organization called the Friends of Bev- erly Animals, which officially incorporated in 2008. The mission and purpose of FOBA is to help animals in need and work toward the goal of having a no-kill shelter in Beverly. Our dedicated volunteers have saved hundreds of animals’ lives, placing pets in loving “forever” homes, and trying to raise money for a much-needed shelter in Beverly. We receive phone calls every day from people asking for help. FOBA is best known for rescuing felines, but we also assist with ca- nine rescues through networking with other animal organizations to find good homes, and by providing veterinary treatment when we can afford it. One of the greatest challenges we face in rescuing animals is having enough foster homes to meet the need, and finding foster homes for dogs is even more challenging, so much of our rescue work has involved cats and kittens.

FOBA has had many successes, but there is still a long way to go. We have had numerous fund- raisers to try to keep up with the expenses of caring for animals that are in danger of being put down or that have been left outside to fend for themselves. We provide essential food, shelter and medical care, which is very expensive and takes up most of our budget. FOBA is an all- volunteer organization. Proceeds from fundraising efforts are used to further FOBA’s mission of caring for animals in need.

Now entering our seventh year of operation, this is our second annual appeal letter. It is our fervent hope that you will find it in your heart to make an end-of-year, tax deductible donation to the Friends of Beverly Animals so that we can help more animals and some day have a shelter in our city. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. We wish you a happy, blessed holiday season and New Year!

Your Friends at FOBA

P.S. Millie’s story has a happy ending. She was nursed back to health and is doing just fine now.

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The 2015 FOBA calendars are here! Over 125 beautiful color photos that were submitted by our friends and supporters of their wonderful pets (and a few other furry or feathered friends) made it into this year’s calendar. The calendars sell for $12 each, and may be purchased here using the PayPal below. Calendars are also available at Beverly Wild Bird & Pet Supply, 214 Rantoul Street, Beverly; Marika’s Restaurant, 190 Cabot Street, Beverly; at the Baptist Church Holiday Fair (221 Cabot Street, Beverly) on November 22, or write to bhannable@gmail.com or call (978) 922-7190 for more information. Proceeds from calendar sales will be used to help us continue our work rescuing and finding homes for precious animals in need, so you know it’s for a great cause! Once again, thank you for your support!

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If you would like to purchase the 2015 FOBA Calendar online, simply click the Donate button below, then enter $12 for each calendar you would like, and under Special Instructions type “Calendar.” Easy! If you’d like the calendar mailed to you, please add $3.00 for the first calendar and $0.50 for each additional calendar to cover postage.

Facebook Users! You can help us promote the FOBA Fur Ball by calling attention to its event page on Facebook. Send your Facebook friends an invitation to the event. It’s easy to do and takes only a couple minutes.

First go to the FOBA Fur Ball event page here. Click the box labeled “•••” and then click “Invite Friends” as shown below.

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This will bring up a list of all your Facebook friends. Just check off the friends you want to invite, and then click the blue “Send” button, see below.

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Friends that have already been invited will be listed in grey type, so you will not be able to check off their names and you do not have to worry about flooding these popular folks with invitations.

That’s it. Easy! And thank you for helping us spread the word.