In this month’s Donor Spotlight, we’re excited to introduce you to Kelly and Janet Nimtz, whose love for the natural world has energized SeaDoc Society since our fledgling years in the early 2000s.
Kelly formerly worked at the the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and played a sustained role in the growth of the School—which is the top veterinary institution in the world. All the while, he and Janet have enthusiastically supported our work in the Salish Sea all the way from their home in California, not only with their positive energy, but as longtime donors. Kelly and Janet even recently took steps to add SeaDoc Society to their estate plans, meaning their impact will be felt deep into the ecosystem’s future. Learn how you can do the same.
Below is a wonderful note from Kelly about why he and Janet are invested in Salish Sea health:
Janet and I have been involved with the SeaDoc Society for over two decades. Although we are not scientists or even residents of Washington State, our commitment to and support of the organization has grown steadily over the years. We’ve attended a number of SeaDoc fundraising events and made contributions to some of its special campaigns.
Last year we decided to include the Society in our estate plans. Our planned gift won’t be the largest the organization ever receives, but it will be larger than any we could make on an annual basis. We’ve also made our daughters and their families aware of our charitable gifts to SeaDoc. Hopefully, we are setting an example of “giving back” for all the good fortune we’ve enjoyed in our lives.
A major factor in our decision to support the SeaDoc Society is the people involved with the organization. Many of the donors, volunteers, and UC Davis faculty who launched SeaDoc in 1999 are still involved. They continue to invest their time and financial resources in its visionary programs, which encourage others (like Janet and me) to follow their example. We are proud to do so.
The most important factor in our decision is its unique status as a local, Washington-based organization, with a regional focus on the Salish Sea as well as its link to the nation’s number-one veterinary school: The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
Donors can visit Orcas Island to see how their contributions are being used and the impact they are having. In addition, donors can be assured that Dr. Joe Gaydos and his research colleagues have the scientific resources needed to tackle the serious health issues facing our marine ecosystems.
Lastly, Janet and I have come to understand that the planet earth, its oceans, and all living things are bonded together. What helps or hurts one, does the same to all. We want very much to help preserve and protect our planet’s environment for future generations. We believe that supporting the SeaDoc Society is our best way to have an impact on this complex, but pressing problem.
Editor’s note: We followed up with Kelly and Janet to ask their favorite species in the Salish Sea. The answer? Tufted puffins! Thanks Kelly and Janet!