New RappCats president thanks supporters
Joseph Galeone, newly elected president of the Rap- pCats board of directors, offered his thanks to the local community as he looks to continue to secure the RappCats Adoption Center as a sustainable community cat shelter. “The community is the foundation of RappCats,” said Galeone. “Without your financial support and collaboration, it would not be possible for RappCats to do the important work we do to rescue Rappahannock County’s stray, abandoned, injured, and neglected cats, and to help our citizens with cat spay and neuter, vaccinations and other care. You have our sincerest thanks.”
Galeone also extended sincere thanks to outgoing president Katharine Leggett, who will continue to serve on the RappCats board.
RappCats, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, is funded solely through donations, and receives no government financial assistance. RappCats operates the only statelicensed cat shelter in Rappahannock County. It relies on volunteers to run its opera- tions, including management of the adoption center, which Galeone has identified as a high-priority need for RappCats.
“Operating a full-time, licensed facility for the care of animals is a substantial undertaking,” said Galeone. “Securing sufficient funding to hire a shelter executive director will be a big step toward ensuring the viable, long-term sustainability of the RappCats Adoption Center and toward helping RappCats improve and expand its services to the community. This is one of our most pressing goals for the coming months.”
Galeone also plans to work with the RappCats board of directors to expand volunteer outreach. “Volunteers are needed to help care for the cats at the Adoption Center 365 days a year,” said Galeone. “Fortunately, it’s fun and rewarding work. A commitment of as little as an hour and a half a week from volunteers is a big help.” RappCats also needs volunteers to help with cat rescues and adoptions, fundraising efforts and occasional office duties.
“RappCats is dedicated to continuing to serve Rappahannock County. We are thankful to be part of such a wonderful community,” Galeone said, noting that anyone wishing to help RappCats can contact the group at rappcats@rappcats.org or 540-987-6050, or him directly at jgaleone88@gmail.com or 540-937-4858.