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Many thanks to those who have made a commitment to C.A.R.E.!
The Center for Animal Research & Education gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and corporations for their generous support of the Big Cats of CARE.
The Founding Father of CARE.
CARE opened its doors in 2003 with 55 big cats and very little funding. “Terrified” is not a word we use lightly to explain how all of us felt in the early days of CARE--because as much as we loved our cats and wanted to do right by them, love does not pay the bills.
Immediately, we needed to build enclosures for 7 felines. We also had nearly $10,000 in licenses and insurance fees due. These are just some of the costs of running a big cat facility. Then, like an angel, George Thompson of Addison, Texas, entered the picture, along with long-time business partner Marc Sparks (read about Marc Sparks below). When George heard of our plight, he blessed CARE with enough funding to build 7 wonderful enclosures, and even more funding for general operating. George then searched our wish list and purchased a desperately needed new tractor and gator. Without George Thompson's giving spirit, the big cats probably would not have the wonderful home they have today. Thanks will never be enough for his generosity as we began our journey.
The Man Who Keeps CARE Alive.
“There is only one possible answer why I have been so incredibly blessed in my life and that is to give back. There simply isn’t another reason as to why I have the ability to do the things I do.” (from Marc Sparks personal web site).
And give he has. Marc Sparks of Addison, Texas, has repeatedly blessed the cats of CARE. He has donated to the general operating of CARE more than any other individual. Marc is also responsible for the completion of the “Sparks Veterinary and Education Center,” where we provide medical care to our cats using two critical care enclosures and quarantine areas. This Center allows CARE volunteers to properly nurse sick, injured, or rescued animals. In addition, the Center hosts big cat researchers who come to CARE to study our felines, and provides housing for our interns. Without the support of the Sparks Family, CARE could not have grown like it has. Marc, thank you for sharing your blessings with CARE.
The Heart of CARE.
In 2004, Gerard came all the way from his home in California to a CARE educational retreat. This is when Gerard fell in love with our big cat family. Soon after, a beautiful little tiger named “Fire” came along and stole his heart. Fire was a special needs baby. Without expensive medical care she would not live. Gerard stepped forward and adopted Fire with all of her needs. With special medications, a special diet, a neurologist, an ophthalmologist, and an incredible amount of love, Fire is now a happy, healthy, full-grown tiger. Gerard continues to support CARE with generous donations that help cover our operating costs. He makes regular trips to CARE throughout the year and we love to see him. Fire especially looks forward to his visits! Gerard, thank you for giving of yourself and your resources to keep CARE going.
To following organizations and people have made CARE what it is today ...
Devon Energy
Bridgeport Guns & Ammo
Elaine Smith
Martha Waller
Kim Choate
Mann’s Refrigeration
I.E.S.I
Home Depot – Lake Worth
TXI
Tom & Beth Ferrier
Jean Robb
Bridgeport Animal Hospital
Sutter Investments
Decatur Livestock
Lonnie Jesseph
Garrett Family
Ronny Blackwell
Richelle Brogan
Globaltec Venture
Glen & Rasa Poorman
Ray Cook
Pat Nemish
Yellow Freight
Policeman Mover
Jason & Angie Schaffer
Randall Bridwell
Justin Lea
Paul & Danielle Frey
Genvieve Van de Merghel
Annette Wiley
Ed & Celia Gebhart
Pat’s Trucking
Andy Burns
Danielle Aguillard
Amanda Alvarez
Alan Ayo
Laura Barnett
Shawn Barr
Karen Bayha
Robert Beardslee
Angela Beatty
Rick and Cindy Beauregard
Yvette Birdsong
Jackie Brown
Jimmy and Amy Byrd
Shanda Catalano
Amber Cates
Steve and Shelby Cawthon
Charity Motors
Thomas and Barbara
Chitwood
Corporate Casuals
Mr. and Mrs. Crutchfield
CS Solutions
Diana Davis
Hans De Froy
Kay Deli
Alexander DeMarzo
Christopher Docampo
Dennis and Irma Farley
Gene Gamble
Allyson Gibson
Debbie Godley
Chapdelaine Goforth
Carol Gracey
Calvin Graves
Michael and Cindy Gustin
Justin Hall
Amy Haufler
Jim Herreid
Richard Hewitt
Mariyn Hunter
Vikki Hutchinson
Larry and Penny Jenkins
Robert Keller
Taleen Ketron
Melanie Klein
Angela Knable
James Kobos and Cindy Chinn
Derek Krahn
Leslie Kuhn
Donald and Melissa Lederer
James Lehman
Marsha Little
John and Genovena Luna
Randall Lyle
M&M Plumbing
Jasyn and Dena Mamantov
Diane Mann
Bryson Maryott
David and Tonya McNair
Ann Mears
Gary Don Meltion
Carl and Joyce Miller
James and Pam Monfries
CKP and Syamala Nair
Sharon Nearing
Vanessa Nemec
Patricia Nemish
Donna Newman
Huong Nguyen
Scott and Rebecca Oling
Optamum Productions
Papoose Custom Quilts
Andrea Parker
William and Heather Perry
Cathe Phipps
Melanie Piccolo
James Pittman
Brad Privett
Profile Equities
Jason Ramier
Cook & Mc Donald CPA
Kristina Ramos
Christopher and Kathleen Ray
Rose Redmond
Jean Robb
Robyn Salaver
Terry Schmid
Richard and Sharon Schoech
Crystal Schuh
Taylor Selman
Nengwei and Beth Shih
Patrick Six
Roger Skrobeck
Melissa Smart
Steve and Tasha Standford
Sutter Investments
Lorelei Tanney
JD & Lisa Thompson
George Thompson
Mitch Townsley,
Godfrey Traub
Iris Trevino
Genieve Van De Merghel
Gerard Van De Merghel
Peter Verrando
Kim Vickery
Ann Walker
Ellen Welsh
Stacy Whitney
Emily Willard
Grace Wolf
Cynthia and Walter Wood
Little Lotus Hearts
Electra School 4th Grade
Triple B Builders
Microsoft
Sprint
BD
Waste Management
IESI
Mann Refrigeration
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