One recipient of support from the Budkis Fund wrote a thank you for paying a veterinary bill for her dog, Maggie. “How does one thank someone for their best friend? You will never know how much it means to me that you helped save Maggie. To come home to someone who thinks I am the greatest thing alive and my heart is filled with joy and my lonely home is lonely no more and my lonely heart is lonely no more.”
Pets offer companionship, unconditional love, affection, a sense of security, and a reason to get up each morning. However, unexpected veterinary bills can be a challenge for people on a fixed income. That is where the Budkis Fund comes in. The Budkis Fund is dedicated to improving the lives of low-income seniors and their pets by providing monetary assistance for urgent veterinary care. The fund helps seniors keep their pets in their homes and makes sure they get the care they need.
The fund is named for Budkis, a lovable English Bulldog who was adopted by Chuck and Mij Charbonneau. Chuck and Mij held yearly backyard barbecues to mark his birthday at the end of each summer season and instead of gifts, they asked people to make a donation in his name as a birthday gift. After Budkis passed away, his family and friends wanted to continue the tradition of celebrating his birthday, so Chuck and Mij set up the Budkis Fund for people to donate to.
And though the fund receives donations frequently, the need is still great. Chuck and Mij do what they can now to pay as many veterinary bills for low income seniors out of the Budkis Fund. To grow the fund and support even more pets and their families, they have left the fund in their will. They knew they wanted to leave a legacy that will impact so many more people by helping them keep their pets in their homes.
Many people like Chuck and Mij have funds as beneficiaries of retirements or in their wills because they know it is one of the most meaningful ways to have a big impact.
Read more about the Budkis Fund and recipients of the fund here https://www.budkisfund.com/
If you’re interested in leaving a legacy for something you are passionate about, please reach out to Laura at lgarner@rentonfoundation.org.