Cause for Paws: Transforming Shelter Dogs' Lives, One Run at a Time

Leadership Modesto 2026 continues a proud tradition of local leaders coming together to address critical community needs and leave a lasting legacy. This year, our class has chosen to support the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency (SASA), specifically their number one priority: renovating the outdoor dog runs that play a vital role in the care and adoption of shelter dogs.

Right now, all eight of SASA's dog runs consist mostly of dirt and sparse grass surfaces that cannot be properly sanitized between animals. This isn't just an inconvenience; it directly impacts daily care, limits enrichment opportunities, and makes it harder for adoptable dogs to show potential families who they really are. Every dog deserves a clean, safe space to play, exercise, and thrive while waiting for their forever home.

The full renovation of all eight runs will cost approximately $115,000, requiring proper grading, concrete, drainage, and Astro Turf for each space. While that's a significant undertaking, we believe these dogs and this community deserve nothing less than the complete transformation SASA needs. Our goal is to raise the full $115,000 to renovate every single run, converting dirt and grass surfaces that can't be properly sanitized into clean, durable, and safe environments for the animals in our care. Every dollar raised brings us one step closer to giving each of these dogs the space they deserve and we're not stopping until the job is done.

We invite you to join us in this mission. Your support can take many forms:

Direct Donations - Every contribution brings us closer to our goal and directly improves the lives of shelter animals in our community. The more we raise, the more runs we can complete.

Spread the Word - Share our campaign with your networks and help us reach dog lovers everywhere!

This campaign represents Leadership Modesto's commitment to creating tangible, lasting change in our community. Your contribution won't just improve a facility, it will transform the daily lives of shelter dogs and increase their chances of finding loving homes.

Will you join us in giving these dogs the space they deserve?

Contact us: leadershipmodesto2026@gmail.com

Thank you for your consideration and support in making Modesto a more compassionate community for all its residents including those with four legs and a wagging tail.

Sincerely,
The Class of Leadership Modesto 25-26

Christal Pace ~ James Dempsey ~ Linda Pinfold ~ Rathy Ley ~ Umeeka Sheena ~ Robert Barnhart Jr. ~ Rosie Ram ~ Nimal Lata ~ Isais Castellanos ~ Jenny Salgado ~ Timothy Boone ~ Jennifer Hidalgo ~ Liliana Felix ~ Scotty Douglass ~ Jasmine Gutierrez ~ Michael Gaffney ~ Jeremy Martinez ~ Manoj Bains ~ Amanda Love ~ Matthew Ratto ~ Rigoberto Lomas Velazco ~ Lucas Redfern ~ Wilson Chalabi

Cause for Paws

By Modesto Chamber of Commerce Foundation Inc

Cause for Paws

Leadership Modesto 25-26 Class Project

Team Members