As we bid farewell to 2024, we at A.R.F. want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we’ve had and share some of our key accomplishments with you.

Rescue Program Results

This year, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve facilitated over 1,094 adoptions, helping more than 761 cats and 333 dogs find their forever homes! Behind each adoption is a process that begins with receiving animals from DuPage County and throughout the Midwest, followed by careful intake and processing. Our dedicated team provides essential vetting and medical care, and we connect each animal to a loving foster home, where they can recover and thrive while waiting for their perfect family.

Events & Fundraising

Other highlights of the year include receiving a $25,000 grant from the DuPage Foundation and Martha J. Johnson Fund. We also participated in great community events like the Grand Subaru Adoption Event, Wheaton French Market, Barkapalooza, Bartlett Pet Event, VetBrows Charity Pet Show, and more. Our own fundraisers, including the Spring/Fall Garage Sales, A.R.F. Bingo, and Holiday Photoshoots, were also big successes. These events help us raise the funds needed to save more animals and continue our mission.

We also welcomed a new board member, Michelle Fischer, as well as installed a new fence at A.R.F.’s headquarters. 

Spreading Awareness

A.R.F. has had a great year connecting with our supporters. We launched a monthly e-newsletter to keep everyone updated, and our social media has grown too—reaching over 260,000 people and gaining 2,015 new followers. This increased visibility has helped raise awareness and connect us with more people who support our mission. We’re excited to keep growing in the year ahead.

Amazing Volunteers

Internally, we’ve had over 150 volunteers donate their time this year, including many fosters. We are sincerely grateful for everyone’s efforts to improve the lives of these animals. If any part of you is intrigued by the idea of volunteering with us, please consider filling out this form. We have a variety of open roles, depending on your interests and amount of free time. We are especially on the lookout for fosters! A.R.F. provides the food, toys, supplies, and funds for all approved vet bills. Your role is to provide shelter and love, which will completely transform your life, these animals’ lives, and the lives of their future forever families.

Thank you to everyone who has followed us, volunteered with us, adopted one of our animals, donated, or in any other way interacted with A.R.F. this year. Your contributions, big and small, add up to the organization we are today. We look forward to celebrating 40 years of A.R.F. in 2025!