The Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) will honor Judy Marcus, an Honorary Board Member and dedicated animal advocate, at its annual Fur Ball fundraiser on May 11. This marks the first time HSSV has chosen to recognize a benefactor at this event, which serves as the organization's largest annual fundraiser. According to Dan Coleman, HSSV's Chief of Development, this decision acknowledges Marcus's tremendous love and passion for Humane Society Silicon Valley, her investment in its mission, and her role in establishing the Fur Ball itself.
During her tenure as a board member from 2000 to 2006, Judy Marcus played a pivotal role in transforming HSSV into a regional leader in animal welfare. HSSV President Kurt Krukenberg noted that Marcus made indelible contributions to the welfare of animals and people in Silicon Valley, playing an instrumental role in the organization's building campaign and its evolution from Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley to Humane Society Silicon Valley. Along with her husband George, the Marcus family made substantial contributions to the construction of HSSV's Peter Detkin and Michelle Oates Detkin Animal Community Center.
Most recently, the Marcus family donated $2 million to support two of HSSV's strategic priorities: Saving Lives and Keeping Families Together. This gift provides lifesaving medical care for animals and increases access to veterinary services in the community. HSSV saves lives by receiving at-risk animals from under-resourced partner shelters, providing essential medical and behavioral care, and facilitating adoptions into loving families. The organization also keeps families together by offering pet food, supplies, and veterinary services to those facing hardship, ensuring pets remain healthy and safe with their loved ones.
The Fur Ball event invites attendees to bring their dogs for an evening of dinner, entertainment, and celebration under the stars, all in support of HSSV's lifesaving work. This recognition of Judy Marcus highlights how individual philanthropy can drive significant organizational transformation and expand community services. The $2 million donation represents a substantial investment in both immediate animal welfare needs and long-term community support systems, demonstrating how targeted giving can address multiple aspects of animal welfare simultaneously. For more information about HSSV's programs and services, visit https://www.hssv.org.
