Proclamations

There are hundreds of pictures in the 3 slideshows below -- Founders, Baldwin County Commission Proclamation and 31st Annual Meeting. There's also more than a dozen videos below.

The Baldwin County Humane Society (BARC!) recognized their original founders and celebrated their heritage as the oldest animal welfare agency in Baldwin County at the 31st Annual Meeting. The Baldwin County Humane Society was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit on July 16, 1979, by Maria Gwynn, Janice Phillips, Catherine Downey Richter, Leon Johnson, Alisa Valentim, Melanie Beiser, Joan George and Nancy Humphrey. It was the county’s first animal advocacy group. Founders Gwynn and Beiser were surrounded by board members (past, Honorary and current) on stage when they accepted Proclamations declaring “Baldwin County Humane Society Day” from Governor Robert Bentley, Alabama Senate and the cities of Daphne, Loxley, Orange Beach and Robertsdale. The cities of Fairhope and Foley presented them keys to the city.

Baldwin County Commission

The Baldwin County Commission set aside April 20, 2011, as “Baldwin County Humane Society Day” in Baldwin County to pay tribute to the success, mission and service rendered by the Baldwin County Humane Society (BARC!) on the occasion of its 32nd anniversary.

The proclamation thanked the organization for their hard work in giving the animals rescued the finest care and treatment.

In a ceremony held at the recent County Commission meeting, Commission Robert James presented the proclamation to Sonja Presley, BARC! Executive Director, and Lynn Anderson, the first BARC! Executive Director who served from 1991 to 1998.

Anderson was on BARC’s first shelter committee in 1979; they attended the Baldwin County Commission meetings for five years imploring them to fund a county-wide animal shelter. In 1984, their perseverance came to fruition with the first animal shelter built in Summerdale.

Presley thanked the Baldwin County Commission on behalf of Maria Gwynn, original founder of the Baldwin County Humane Society in 1979 and current board president. “We want to commend the Commissioners for funding the expansion of the Summerdale shelter; construction is scheduled to be completed this June.”

Pictured with Commissioner James on the left is Lynn Anderson with “Lance” a rescued retired Greyhound and Sonja Presley, BARC! Executive Director, with “Dolce”. Photos courtesy of Michael Alves with US Patriot Photography.

31st Annual Meeting

The Baldwin County Humane Society (BARC!) recognized their original founders and celebrated their heritage as the oldest animal welfare agency in Baldwin County at the 31st Annual Meeting held April 20, 2011, at the Eastern Shore Art Center. The emcee was Shelby Mitchell with 95KSJ Breakfast Club; Dr Jazz played the twinkling glamour piano.

The Baldwin County Humane Society was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit on July 16, 1979, by Maria Gwynn, Janice Phillips, Catherine Downey Richter, Leon Johnson, Alisa Valentim, Melanie Beiser, Joan George and Nancy Humphrey. It was the county’s first animal advocacy group.

Founders Gwynn and Beiser were surrounded by board members (past, Honorary and current) on stage when they accepted Proclamations declaring “Baldwin County Humane Society Day” from Governor Robert Bentley, Alabama Senate and the cities of Daphne, Loxley, Orange Beach and Robertsdale. The cities of Fairhope and Foley presented them keys to the city.

BARC! thanked the veterinarians, volunteers and supporters individually and collectively for their contributions of time, talents and resources which make the programs possible: transport and dog adoptions, Kitten Kaboodles, Pawsitive Therapy, spay/neuter vouchers and the BARC! Pet Food Pantry.

31st ANNUAL MEETING

Shelby Mitchell, BARC! Honorary Board Member, was the emcee at our 31st Annual Meeting held at the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope, AL. She explains how our logo has changed over the years, but our mission has stayed the same: to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome the abused, abandoned and neglected animals of Baldwin County.

Maria Gwynn, original founder & current board president, introduces the other founders, veterinarians and previous board members, staff & volunteers

Maria Gwynn, original founder in 1979 and first board president, introduces the current board members and office staff

Maria Gwynn, original founder in1979 & current board president, invited the other original founders to join her on stage along with the board members (past, Honorary & current)

Closeup of Founders, Board Members, Staff and Vets on stage

Group of Founders, Board Members, Staff and Vets on stage

Audience and group of Founders on stage

Al Thompson, Baldwin County Campaign Spokesman for the Dr. Robert Bentley Campaign, presents the Proclamation from the Governor to the original founders of the Baldwin County Humane Society in 1979 at our 31st Annual Meeting at the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope, AL

Al Thompson concludes the Governor's Proclamation for April 20, 2011, as Baldwin County Humane Society Day. Then Gus Palumbo presents the Proclamation from the Alabama State Senate .

The City of Daphne issued a Proclamation for April 20, 2011, for the Baldwin County Humane Society. City Councilman Gus Palumbo presented it at our 31st Annual Meeting at the Eastern Shore Art Center.

The City of Robertsdale issued a Proclamation for April 20, 2011, for the Baldwin County Humane Society. Councilwoman Sue Cooper presented it at our 31st Annual Meeting at the Eastern Shore Art Center.

The City of Orange Beach issued a Proclamation for April 20, 2011, for the Baldwin County Humane Society. Mayor Pro-Tem Brett Holk presented it at our 31st Annual Meeting at the Eastern Shore Art Center.

The Town of Loxley issued a Proclamation for April 20, 2011, for the Baldwin County Humane Society. Mayor Billy Middleton presented it at our 31st Annual Meeting at the Eastern Shore Art Center.

The City of Fairhope issued a Proclamation for April 20, 2011, for the Baldwin County Humane Society. City Council President Debbie Quinn presented it at our 31st Annual Meeting at the Eastern Shore Art Center.