Home
The Foundation
About Mimi Paige
Make a Donation
Board of Directors
Selecting a Pet
Pet Care Tips
Links of Interest
Contact Us
The Gift of Hope
About the Foundation
The Mimi Paige Foundation was established in 2001 as a not-for-profit organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code by concerned residents of Western North Carolina. A small volunteer organization with a big mission and a large heart. The mission quite simply to drastically reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats in Western North Carolina.
When we began more than 10,000 animals were being euthanized a year in just Buncombe County. This number was tragic and devastating. It represented more than 60 tons of animal remains in our Landfill. We know this useless killing drove Mimi Paige to make a difference through education. Mimi had great hope with education people could change. We knew our mission. We wanted to make a difference, not just for Mimi but for Mimi’s first love, animals. Our goals at first were never modest and neither was our passion nor energy.
Working with WLOS, we have produced and aired over 35 commercials with messages of responsible pet ownership. WLOS has been an extraordinary partner to us and we will always be grateful.
In 2002, we begin working with animal rescue groups and Buncombe County leaders to effect a more everlasting change in our animal control ordinance. In December of 2003, Buncombe County commissioners passed the very first in the state Spay/Neuter ordinance. The law went into effect in April 2004. To view the complete ordinance go to Buncombecounty.org.
We began almost immediately see a drastic reduction in unwanted animals. An usually high number of animals were spayed and neutered. When people were informed by our commercials that is was the law to spay and neuter they acted.
We have had great community partners. In 2004 we were the sponsor for the pilot program, "New Leash On Life ". We taught inmates at the Black Mountain Correctional Center for one year. The success of the program convinced the North Carolina Department of Corrections to make it a statewide program.
In 2004, we spent a year creating a Pet/Therapy progam for the Black Mountain Center. Black Mountain Center is a state run facility for folks with Alzheimers and Severe Developmental Disabilities. Staff and residents were thrilled with four legged visitors. Now pretty much anytime folks going to Black Mountain Center can meet some of the canine therapists.
We are not an animal rescue but we are proud to say that we have rehabilated and found homes for hundreds of pets that would otherwise be euthanized.
In 2007, we will begin a partnership with Buncombe County commissioners, the Sheriff’s animal control division in weekly meetings about responsible pet ownership. Log on to buncombecounty org. for a schedule of a meeting in your area.
We have had many projects and partnerships throughout the community. If you have any proposals or would like to partner with the foundation please contact us. Any idea big or small that celebrates the animal human bond we would love to hear about.
At this point it would be easy to pat ourselves on the back. However in 2006, 4000 unwanted animals had to be euthanized. We have more work to do. We need your help. We need your time, energy and yes resources. The Mimi Paige Foundation has administration costs of less than one percent. Your donations will go directly to saving lives, Mimi Paige knew people can change and we have seen that. Help us make Western North Carolina not only great for people, but for their pets too.