One Inspiring Legacy Story
The Shelter received a bequest from the late Rev. Royce Scherf. With it came a story from his sister-in-law about Cleo, a gray tabby cat the Scherfs adopted from the Watsonville Shelter:
“Cleo first arrived at Royce’s house shortly after his wife was diagnosed with cancer. … As the years passed, [Cleo] adjusted to the increasing changes in the life of a cancer patient and the caregivers that became more present every day. She remained loving and attentive. After Royce’s wife died, Cleo was very important to Royce’s well being. … Cleo was the reason Royce wanted to donate money to the Shelter. She brought him happiness, and he wanted others to have the joy of a pet. He wanted to help the Shelter provide similar experiences for others….”
Epilogue – Cleo now lives with one of Rev. Scherf’s caregivers. From all reports she is doing well, is happy, and is bringing happiness to others.
Make Love Your Legacy!
We are excited to announce the new Guardian Angels Society that honors generous supporters who include the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation in their estate plans! Planned giving is crucial to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s long-term stability and ability to provide vital services to the humans and animals we support.
We invite you as a friend of the animals to consider extending your impact by remembering us in your will or trust. Your legacy gift - whether a specific amount or percentage of your estate - will ensure our continued ability to create a world where animals are loved, secure and flourishing.
If you’ve already included us in your estate plans or decide to do so, please download and complete the Guardian Angels Society form here. This helps us accurately reflect your intentions and welcome you as a member, where you join others committed to this special mission.
Being part of the Guardian Angels Society provides you with special experiences and insight with opportunities for tours, annual gatherings, and connections with the Foundation Board Directors. For more information, please email our executive director Nga Trinh-Halperin or fill out the form below.