An Italian Kitty+PAWS=That’s Amore!

Photo by Mark Rogers 

   

Photo by Monica May

Judi Basolo has always had animals in her life, but says that she and Guido the Italian Kitty have una connessione unica— a “unique connection.” Both are native San Franciscans, and both have a strong drive to give back. Judi says it’s in their DNA.

Guido became certified as an Animal Assisted Therapy cat at the tender age of one, and the dynamic duo have been venturing out in public as a pair ever since. Together, Judi and Guido volunteer at the Arc of San Francisco, ride the cable cars, and more. “I realized people were always enthralled by this cat in my arms,” Judi recalls. “When I took Guido to the grand opening of the PAWS building, he just excelled at interacting with the guests and people would write to me asking about him.” With the help of social media, Guido’s fan base quickly skyrocketed, and together they knew it was time to put Guido’s star-power to good use.

On the eve of Guido’s fourth birthday, in 2010, he and Judi decided to fundraise for an organization that they think is just meowvalous—Pets Are Wonderful Support, of course! Since that birthday, Guido’s fans have donated every year to support PAWS, and this year raised over $1,200 to celebrate his twelfth circle around the sun!

Judi often jokes that she considers herself Guido’s personal assistant, but five years ago she gained a deeper appreciation for the kind of assistance that Guido gives to her—and the type of support PAWS provides. Stuck homebound for five months from a knee replacement surgery, Judi reflects, “that was the closest I’ve ever been to being a shut-in and my cats became my whole life.” Judi was not able to manage the 33 stairs to her apartment alone, and she only had help getting out to her physical therapy appointments. A social butterfly by nature, Judi says, “I experienced something that I had never had happen in my life. I was feeling so disconnected from the world and looking forward to when someone could visit or call me. Thanks to PAWS, clients who live in isolation are visited by volunteers and can stay together with their pets.”

Judi supports PAWS as a donor, volunteer, ambassador, and of course, with Guido’s help as a spokes-cat. She believes that “everybody should give back…it doesn’t have to be a lot as long as you give.” The gift of the human-animal bond? Like Judi says, “it’s priceless.”

Reflections on the New Tax Law by Shanti’s Interim Chief Financial Officer, Patricia Schnedar

Thinking about when to give? Now is the time.

The new tax law is estimated to result in a decrease in charitable giving to the tune of $13-$20 billion and a loss of at least 220,000 non-profits sector jobs as cited in a recent study by George Washington University. The first factor driving this dramatic change is the increase in the standard deduction and the corresponding drop in the number of people itemizing; currently 35% of filers itemize their tax return and it is estimated to drop to 5%-10%. Second, the new tax law more than doubles the size of estates that will be subject to the federal estate tax to over $22 million.

In addition to tax law changes, the nonprofit community is also seeing a reduction in government spending to provide services to people in need. The tax law’s impact is coming at a time when the private sector— comprising donors like you— is already being asked to dig deeper to meet critical community needs.

Now is the time to reflect why we give. I was taught at an early age to care for the elderly and help those less fortunate than I. Beginning with my first job out of college, I have tried to live the lessons learned as a child by giving time, effort, and money to support individuals and my community. I left a promising corporate career to work in the nonprofit sector.

I care deeply about my community and Shanti’s clients, and yet I find myself hesitating for the first time in my life. Without the tax deduction for charitable giving, will I continue to give at the level I have consistently given all my life? How much was my generosity tied to the tax benefit? The needs within my community have not changed—in fact, many will say they are only increasing. The need is there, how will I respond?

My initial instinct was to reduce my level of giving. With the tax change I am no longer “saving” money by claiming a tax deduction for giving, but I am now paying taxes on what I give. It is costing me more to give. Now is the time to stop and think about why you give. Connect with your own story of personal giving, and your own motivations. On reflection, I am committing to not reducing, but increasing my giving because the need is there. What will you do?