Virginia Horse Rescue Recognized with Global Award for Sanctuary Excellence

Denver, CO – The Carole Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence was announced by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) at the Homes for Horses Coalition 2014 Summit. This year’s recipient, Jorg Huckabee-Mayfield of White Bird Appaloosa Rescue, was singled out for her work dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of blind, abused, neglected and at-risk Appaloosa and other horses.

The Carole Noon Award for Sanctuary Excellence is given annually to a sanctuary or individual who embodies and puts into practice the GFAS philosophy of vision, dedication and excellence in animal care. It memorializes Carole Noon, Ph.D., the founder of Save the Chimps, a Florida chimpanzee sanctuary.

“Her work on the Sparky Project this year exemplified the true spirit of this award,” says Kellie Heckman, GFAS executive director. “She has been an ongoing inspiration in the horse rescue community, but went above and beyond to help support the placement of a herd of 40 neglected, unhandled horses.”

Jorg Huckabee-Mayfield shared her thoughts about their accomplishment, saying, “We wish to sincerely thank GFAS for this recognition. The successful rescue of the Sparky Project horses has been due in large part to the support from our equine community. It has truly been a group effort and we couldn’t have accomplished so much without every person and organization that stepped up for these animals.”

The award will be presented to Ms. Huckabee-Mayfield in person at the White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue’s facility in Nottoway County, Virginia this fall.

Funds supporting this award were granted by ASPCA, American Anti-Vivisection Society, Born Free USA, Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare and private donations.

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries:

Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries/rescues worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting sanctuaries/rescues is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. They represent top leadership from Born Free USA, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, the ASPCA, and American Anti-Vivisection Society. For more information, visit: localhost.

About White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue

The White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue is a non-profit corporation located in Nottoway County, Virginia and has been an IRS recognized 501c3 non-profit since 2003. The Rescue is registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Since 2002, the White Bird Appaloosa Horse Rescue has rescued, rehabilitated and re-homed at-risk Appaloosas and other horses in urgent need. White Bird specializes in Appaloosas, but will not turn away horses of other breeds if the situation is urgent and the rescue has the resources to help them. The Rescue’s goal is to find them permanent, loving homes. However: if adoptive homes cannot be found, horses are provided permanent sanctuary so that they can live out the remainder of their lives in safety and dignity. Primarily serving as a community resource, the Rescue has taken in horses from as far away as Colorado and Montana. In addition to its service to equines, the rescue believes that prevention is the best medicine and strives to educate horse owners regarding horse care. The facility serves as an emergency hay bank and as a point of coordination between Appaloosa owners who must surrender their horses and those seeking them. Horses unable to be accepted into the Rescue are advertised through the Rescue’s on-line “Clearinghouse” and many have found homes through this avenue.

White Bird is run by a Board of Directors and operated by volunteers who generously donate their time and talents.

For more information, visit: www.whitebirdapps.com

Download press release here.