Mastering Management, Using a charitable fund to build community bond

HERNDON, VA. — Creating a charitable fund for use within the practice is a good way to let client and veterinary practice dollars work within the community, says Dr. Bill Swartz of Clocktower Animal Hospital.

Swartz's practice initiated The Whitney Fund 12 years ago when a cat named Whitney died of vaccine anaphylaxis the first week the hospital opened. Whitney's owner was an emergency room nurse, so she understood the vaccination risks as she watched the resuscitative efforts fail, Swartz says.

In honor of Whitney, the fund was initiated to turn tragedy into opportunity.

The fund is supported by making a $5 contribution when pets are honored or memorialized. The donation is acknowledged by sending a handwritten note card to the owner. The note card is pre-printed with the hospital logo on the front, a description of the fund on the back with the center blank for a handwritten message. The cost of each card is about $2.

Occasionally, pet owners will make contributions to the fund. These contributions are acknowledged with the card and also in a special book that is kept in the reception area.

"The fund works for the practice, animals, and shows clients the practice cares," Swartz adds.

The Whitney Fund allows Clocktower Animal Hospital to demonstrate its compassion and to help many pets and individual clients in the community.

"Stray animals and pets whose owners cannot afford treatment benefit from the fund," Swartz adds.

To download a description of the program and an example of the note card script, go to www.vlg.us and click on "VLG in the News".

Tip from:

Dr. Bill Swartz

Clocktower Animal Hospital

Herndon, Va.