Schwarzman Animal Medical Center receives $10 million donation from Kellen family
Donation to support hospital's expansion and further its mission of aiding pet owners in financial need
Tartila / stock.adobe.com
The Stephen & Christine Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) recently received a $10 million grant from the Denise and Michael Kellen Foundation and the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation. The donation will go towards expanding the center’s community outreach and available resources to maintain its mission of providing veterinary care to pets in need.
The AMC was founded in 1910, and since then it aims to help animals whose owners cannot afford veterinary care. It started out as a part-time clinic in Manhattan, New York’s Lower East Side neighborhood. From there, AMC has become the largest non-profit animal hospital.
"The Kellen Family has had a deep and lasting impact on the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center," said Kathryn Coyne, president and chief executive officer of AMC, in a company release.1 "We are immensely grateful for their continued generosity and their unwavering commitment to our mission. Their contribution helps ensure a bright future for generations of pet families to come."
AMC plans to use a portion of this gift to establish the Denise and Michael Kellen Institute for Surgical Care as part of its “Gift of Love” campaign to renovate and expand the hospital's Upper East Side location. The new surgical suite institute will triple the size of AMC's current surgical area with more than 7,000 square feet of renovated space. It will encompass 5 operating rooms, a minor procedure room, a recovery room segregating dogs and cats, and a new Central Sterile Center. Construction is currently underway, with expected completion in 2024.1
"For 35 years, our family has been enthusiastic supporters of the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center and its enduring mission of pioneering medicine, charitable care, and postgraduate education," Michael Kellen, one of the donors, stated in the release.
Kellen added, "We are proud to partner with AMC to develop this advanced Surgical Institute, which will not only offer the finest in veterinary surgical care but will enhance training opportunities for veterinarians at AMC and around the world."1
The contribution will also support the new Charlie's Patient Assistance Fund, which provides free and subsidized emergency care for animals whose owners are facing financial difficulties. AMC trustee and Kellen family member, Annabelle K. Garrett, was able to name the fund after her dog Charlie, a recipient of AMC's lifesaving care. In 2021, AMC's philanthropic community funds supported 533 pet families with more than $4.5 million in donated care.1
"No animal should suffer due to financial circumstances, and this fund epitomizes AMC's commitment to providing care to those most in need," concluded Garrett, in the release.
Reference
Schwarzman Animal Medical Center Announces $10 million gift from the Kellen Family. News release. June 15, 2022. Accessed June 15, 2022. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/schwarzman-animal-medical-center-announces-10-million-gift-from-the-kellen-family-301568618.html
