Grant Opportunity

Dear Business Owner,

Greetings from Wilson County Disaster Animal Response Team! Wilson County Disaster Animal Response Team, or DART for short, is a division of the Wilson County Emergency Management Agency. DART is a volunteer based non-profit organization dedicated to responding to animals in disaster situations. The DART Team will provide temporary housing and care for animals displaced by disasters, including those running at large. DART will also assist Animal Control and Emergency Management Agencies when they are overwhelmed. Our top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals in our care. By utilizing proper training in emergency situations, we can also ensure the safety of our human team members, as safety is our highest priority.

We have assisted in a number of disaster related deployments including, but not limited to:
1. Great Smoky Mountains Wildfires (Gatlinburg Wildfires) - A complex series of wildfires that erupted in late November 2016. The devastating fires claimed the lives of 14 individuals and caused an estimated $2 billion in damages, including the destruction of approximately 2,500 buildings.
2. Hurricane Harvey - A catastrophic tropical cyclone that made landfall in Texas and Louisiana in August 2017, causing widespread flooding and tragically resulting in over 100 deaths.
3. Hurricane Helene - We are currently actively supporting relief efforts and eagerly awaiting deployment to assist the victims of the devastating hurricane.
4. A variety of community assistance, including animals stuck in sinkholes, pets trapped in and under vehicles, livestock transport disasters, and any animal control or sheriff's department needs.

We are currently seeking donations from esteemed individuals and businesses like you/yours to support our mission.

The Wilson County Disaster Animal Response Team positively impacts our community, and we are confident that your donation will contribute to its success.

Any donation, regardless of its size, will be greatly appreciated. Your generous contribution will help us achieve our goals of purchasing the following:

1. An Electric Corral Panel for Cattle,
2. Improvements in the Current Storage Situation,
3. A sport utility vehicle or truck to transport a large group of people, and tow the equipment trailer,
4. Shifting focus from fundraising for operational costs to training and disaster response initiatives.
5. Acquiring a Horse Mannequin for Training Purposes.

By purchasing these items, we will further our training and expand the growth of our organization into the community as a whole.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We eagerly anticipate your response.

Sincerely,

Wilson County Disaster Animal Response Team (DART)