Christmas bells would normally be ringing when Carson City resident Chef Don Pepe holds his annual holiday fundraiser for Pets of the Homeless, a Carson City-based 501(c)3 national non-profit that raises money to provide food, veterinary care and other essentials for the pets of homeless persons.
But 2020 is different.
Needs this year seem to be greater with the COVID-19 economic shutdown affecting most states.
That's why Pepe has started his Pets of the Homeless fundraising campaign early in hopes of raising even more money this year to help care for the pets of homeless individuals in Carson City and nationwide.
The renowned chef, known as the "Paella King" for his mastery of the Spanish national dish, has spent each of the last six years fundraising for Pets of the Homeless after seeing the need for himself right here in Carson City.
"I would take walks at night and see the homeless people with their pets," he said. "I remember one time seeing a child asleep in the back of a car with her dog laying on top of her, acting as a blanket and keeping her warm."
Pepe said he then realized just how much pets meant to people with nothing else in life, but the one best friend they could count on.
And he knew he wanted to do something to help.
As it happened, Genevieve Frederick was running her national non-profit, Pets of the Homeless, out of Carson City.
Pepe approached Frederick about doing a fundraiser one day, and the rest is history.
Every year since, Chef Don Pepe has donated profits made from the sales of his pure and extra virgin Portuguese olive oils to Pets of the Homeless, now in its 12th year of helping homeless pets across the United States.
"Every day we see an increase in homeless callers asking for our help," Frederick said.
Many homeless people, she said, are faced with dilemmas when searching for shelter.
"When you have a pet, the choices get complicated," Frederick said. "A roof over your head at a shelter where pets are not allowed and relinquish the pet to an animal shelter, or sleep in your vehicle or on the street with your pet."
Now through Nov. 1, 2020, Chef Don Pepe is once again helping take care of the pets of homeless individuals here in Carson City and across the country.
Proceeds from the purchase of any of the chef's olive oils, aged Italian balsamic vinegar from Modena, Portuguese sardines and gourmet jams during the fundraising period will benefit Pets of the Homeless.
Chef Don Pepe's company, Carpa Nevada, LLC, is a retail supplier of the world's finest pure and extra virgin olive oils direct from Portugal, where premium olives are grown and harvested, and their exquisite oils are pressed and bottled the old-fashioned way using centuries-old techniques.
To participate, simply go to chefdonpepe.com and select the products of your choice. A portion from each sale goes directly to Pets of the Homeless.
Or, click on the link to chefdonpepe.com from petsofthehomeless.org, the Pets of the Homeless web site.
In fact, if your first purchase is made on or before Nov. 1, 2020, Chef Don Pepe will continue donating a portion of each subsequent purchase you make to Pets of the Homeless.
Free delivery is available throughout Carson City and the surrounding areas of the Carson Valley, Dayton, Washoe Valley, Reno and Sparks.
Frederick said every fundraiser for Pets of the Homeless is critical to meeting its needs.
"Since we do not receive government funding, we rely on public support to deliver services to pets that belong to the homeless, pet food and emergency veterinary care," she said.
The six-year relationship her non-profit has had with Chef Don Pepe has proven invaluable to the charity.
"Chef Don Pepe has generously donated hundreds of dollars from the sales of his famous and healthy olive oils," she said. "His compassion for the homeless and their pets is evident when he is seen cruising Carson City looking specifically for the homeless."
The chef's philanthropy isn't limited to just the fundraiser, Frederick said.
"He gives them food and sometimes shelter," she said. "Those with pets are closest to his heart and he always tells them to contact Pets of the Homeless if they need pet food or veterinary care. He is one of a kind."
Since it became a federally-registered national non-profit in 2008, Pets of the Homeless has established 208 donation sites across the United States, collecting more than 700 tons of pet food and paying for the veterinary care of nearly 22,000 pets.
More than $1.5 million has also been donated for veterinary care, food and crates for homeless pets.
According to petsofthehomeless.org, about one in 10 homeless persons has a pet. In some places, that rate climbs as high as one in four.
To help Pets of the Homeless achieve its goal of caring for homeless pets here in Carson City and nationwide, join in the online fundraiser now through Nov. 1, 2020.
Check out chefdonpepe.com to browse Carpa Nevada's selection of premium pure and extra virgin Portuguese olive oils, aged Italian balsamic vinegar from Modena and Portuguese sardines.
Go to petsofthehomeless.org or Facebook.com/officialpetsofthehomeless for more information on how you can help homeless pets right here in Carson City.
