JOPLIN, MO (July 19, 2011) – Executive and philanthropist Arthur E. Benjamin today announced that Marshall Faulk, Pro Football Hall of Famer-elect and St. Louis Rams great, has joined his team to raise much needed funds for animal rescue efforts and disaster relief in Joplin, MO. With his recent launch of a national, viral, social media campaign, Benjamin will donate $1 to the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO) for every Facebook fan who ‘likes’ the American Dog Rescue page (http://www.facebook.com/AmericanDogRescue) – up to $10,000 will  be donated by Benjamin through his foundations, The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation and American Dog Rescue.

“The disasters that struck Joplin and the surrounding areas in Missouri were devastating,” said Benjamin. “And while immediate efforts were made on the ground to rescue animals in danger, to recover lost animals, and to reunite families with their pets, there is still so much to be done. The awe of the situation struck the hearts of Americans, which is why it is so powerful that a viral fundraising campaign like this be launched so people from around the country can help. Through the unwavering efforts of the HSMO, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation, and American Dog Rescue, there is no doubt that we will make a difference in the aftermath of this devastation. Never has one click, one ‘like,’ one fan been so meaningful to thousands of lives – both animal and human.”

The funds raised from the Facebook campaign will assist to alleviate the costs accumulated from the immediate actions taken during the disaster relief including but not limited to staff, material and supply costs. Even before the official request from State Emergency Management Agency in Missouri, the HSMO Disaster Response Team was preparing for deployment. Within 24 hours of the tornado, a 23-member team experienced in animal rescue and recovery, emergency sheltering and veterinary medicine arrived on the scene.  Team response included eight trucks and animal carrier vehicles, two horse trailers, a disaster supply trailer, HSMO’s climate-controlled Animal Rescue Trailer, and an emergency-equipped RV so the team could be self-supporting when necessary. Field assessments began immediately with team members moving and sifting through dangerous debris and rubble to locate stray and injured animals. The team also responded to search and rescue calls from persons who survived the storm but could not find pets or had to leave them behind. More than 200 animals were rescued and taken to emergency shelter in the first week following the storm. In conjunction with Joplin Animal Control, the HSMO also operated a co-location shelter for now-homeless persons and their pets housed at the American Red Cross shelter. Efforts continue throughout Missouri to rescue animals from the recent disasters such as the tornado, and the even more recent flooding issues that plague the region. Immediate response efforts were also contributed by HSUS and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to ensure that as many animals as possible received necessary and prompt attention – these organizations continue to support the on-going efforts in Joplin and the surrounding areas.

For more information on The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation and American Dog Rescue fundraising efforts for Joplin, MO, Facebook users can visit the American Dog Rescue page at http://www.facebook.com/AmericanDogRescue.

American Dog Rescue (ADR) is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to finding a home for every adoptable dog in the United States.  American Dog Rescue is committed to placing healthy dogs in permanent homes that are the right fit for the animal and its family.  Donations can be made by visiting www.americandogrescue.org/donate or calling (801) 944-3023.

The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization created to assist the building and growth of other foundations through leadership, management, marketing, and public relations. Established by Delray Beach business leader and philanthropist Arthur E. Benjamin, the Foundation’s core focus is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and animals, support young adults through educational efforts, and aid women in breast cancer recovery. For more information, please visit www.arthurebenjamin.com.