On Sunday, October 4, Jet Linx Detroit served as a Bronze Sponsor for the 31st annual Purrfect Bow Wow Brunch, a virtual event benefitting Michigan Humane. Bill Royce, Jet Linx Detroit Base President, along with a dozen others, indulged in a delicious brunch delivered by Forté Belanger. The contactless delivery allowed more than 325 guests to enjoy brunch safely while watching the event via Facebook Live stream. The brunch featured a variety of programming including impact speakers, an online auction and a president’s toast.

The Purrfect Bow Wow Brunch raised $439,000 (and counting), surpassing the stated goal of $250,000. While the COVID-19 pandemic sidelined an in-person meeting, the virtual brunch reached 37,000 viewers online. Compared to the 700-person event in 2019, the digital format performed extremely well for Michigan Humane, raising needed funds and allowing a broad reach.

“Sunday’s 31st Annual Purrfect Bow Wow Brunch sponsored by Jet Linx was a great success in its virtual format,” said Deb Scola, Vice President at Michigan Humane. “Despite the hurdles we faced in 2020, the event was a resounding success thanks to wonderful supporters like Bill and his wonderful group. Fundraising is especially impactful this year, as disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic trickle down to affect our furry friends, but it’s our job to ensure they’re not forgotten.”

Michigan Humane has been an essential service for more than 140 years, ensuring that every animal has access to compassionate care and families are supported toward keeping their beloved pets by providing food, supplies and expert medical care. Through fundraising, community engagement and advocacy, Michigan Humane managed to save 11,000 animals in 2019 and provided 400,000 pounds of free pet food. Other funds are put toward outreach and activism such as free heartworm treatments, shot clinics, airplane transports and restocking food pantries. Michigan Humane runs adoption programs for dogs and cats, as well as exotic animals such as pigs, cows, birds, chickens, rabbits and reptiles.

“Jet Linx Detroit proudly supports local charities that our team members and clients devote their time to,” explained Royce. “Because a client of ours is on the Board of Directors at Michigan Humane, and because our team is full of animal lovers, it was a very easy call for us. The digital event went smoothly, and our team had the privilege of enjoying it from the comfort of our own private terminal. The dogs enjoyed thoroughly enjoyed exploring the jets in the hangar as well!”

Funds raised at the virtual event in 2020 will be put toward the distribution of 1.3 million bowls of pet food, the rescue of 450 animals and impacting the lives of nearly 3,000 animals in various ways. However, the aid provided to animals will also positively impact the lives of thousands of families across the Detroit metro area. In 2019, Michigan Humane served 76,000 families and their 104,000 loving pets and companions. To learn more about Michigan Humane, visit www.michiganhumane.org.