09/15/2020
Today is the very last day for our 50k dollar for dollar match with Brian Kelly to help with a forever home for Gratitude Gate. For those who have been so incredibly kind, I can't thank you enough for caring about the animals' future. Those that are still on the fence about donating, let me tell you why Gratitude Gate is in need of help and some history of how we got here. I, Jess, founded Gratitude Gate as a 501(c)3 nonprofit January 16, 2017. This was after I got a severe "concussion" or as I am learning to accept, a traumatic brain injury, in August 2016. In a split second my life stopped and spun backwards. The post symptoms prevented me from doing what I had built my very life around. I had worked as a veterinary assistant/tech for 15 years in my community and a volunteer wildlife technician for 11 years at our local rehab. I dreamed up Gratitude Gate out of despair of what I thought my injury had stolen from me. My animals had shown me unconditional love and helped me through the darkest of days. They pushed me to continue and learn to be grateful. I knew then I had to find a way for these incredible creatures to help others heal from what could not be seen.
For the past 3 years Gratitude Gate has touched so many hearts on social media but, the reality is I have been unable to move forward with anything in our community. An open house, visitor days or even volunteer days have been out of the question because of our current location. I personally have not been away from the sanctuary or had a full day off from this incredible labor of love for 4 years. I am okay with that but, it wasn't supposed to be this way. Moving to our current location haulted any and all physical and forward movement of Gratitude Gate as an organization. Our landlord put the farm back on the market 4 months into our 2 year lease. The only tours I was doing were to show the property for liability reasons to any potential buyers. This happened more times than I can count.
There is no sanctuary without security. Legally and financially we could not move forward without putting the animals' home in jeopardy. I have kept quiet about it for 2 years to avoid adding drama to a private situation on a public platform while trying to find a solution. This is why Gratitude Gate needs the help, now. We are trying to secure the future for the animals currently under our care so we CAN think about the future. A future that holds opportunity for so much more than what I am able to do alone. As a sanctuary we are the end of the road for so many animals that need to heal and learn to love for the rest of their days. Very different from a rescue that adopts out and sees many new faces in a short time. The home that Gratitude Gate provides is forever and I have tried from my little point of view up until now to share their stories of survival and perseverance. I hope you will join me in keeping the hopes of Gratitude Gate growing. To see the future in a beautiful light with the animals as the reason for such an important undertaking. Thank you for believing in love. Please share, for the animals.❤️
Paypal gratitudegate@gmail.com
Venmo @ gratitudegate
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/critical-funding-needed-for-animals-forever-home
