Company: Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, Newtown, CT
Company Description: Created in 2013, the sanctuary honors the life of Catherine Violet Hubbard, a six-year-old victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy and passionate animal lover. Through educational curriculum, workshops, programs to help senior pet owners, and a commitment to land conservation, the sanctuary continues to make remarkable strides to keep animals free from harm in homes and native habitats.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Organization of the Year - Non-Profit or Government - Small
 Nomination Title: Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since January 1 2023, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 200 words used.
The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, established in 2013 to honor the life of its namesake, a 1st grade victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy and passionate animal lover, has emerged as a beacon of compassion and innovation in animal welfare.
Focusing on ensuring animals live free from harm in homes and native habitats, its low/no-cost stewardship programs have reached over 150,000 individuals, fostering empathy and environmental responsibility. The groundbreaking Senior Paw Project annually supports 450 pets of financially insecure senior pet owners through veterinary wellness, prescriptive care and monthly pet food, preserving these crucial human-animal bonds. And, by spotlighting animal rescues, the sanctuary has facilitated 500+ adoptions, addressing systemic challenges in animal welfare.
Recognized by the State of Connecticut in 2024 as a model for promoting harmonious coexistence, the sanctuary's impact has been amplified through national media coverage, most recently featured on ABC News, CBS, and The Kelly Clarkson Show – a true testament to the sanctuary's innovative approach of combining animal advocacy with community building.
With its scalable programs and focus on long-term behavioral change, the sanctuary stands as a compelling nominee for this award, demonstrating significant impact, innovation, and potential for broader societal influence.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 250 words used.
Achievements in services to humans, animals & environment:
- Increased low-cost community programming by 20%, reaching 2,000+ children/adults.
- Taught 412 students through on-site school programs.
- Senior Paw Project expanded to second state of Massachusetts and added 10 new affordable housing communities.
- 9 corporations for environmental impact days, logging 2,900+ volunteer hours.
- Catherine’s Butterfly Party welcomed 22,000 guests for free programs and pet adoptions, fully inclusive/accessible to all.
- Found families for 225 homeless companion animals.
- Apiary doubled in size to 1 million bees and property designated a certified firefly habitat.
- Construction of sanctuary’s first educational facility – Catherine’s Learning Barn – allowing programming to expand 50%.
Achievements/Accolades/Awards:
- PAWSitively Good Award for its dedication to animal welfare and human empathy.
- Featured on “Seeking Sunshine” on ABC News, "Heart of America” on CBS with Nora O'Donnell, the Kelly Clarkson Show and more, reaching 900 million nationally.
- Blue Buffalo award of $10,000 for helping animals and bringing community together.
- Connecticut State proclamation from Governor Lamont stating, “The sanctuary’s efforts have served as a beacon for fostering empathy and promoting harmonious coexistence among all beings thereby enriching communities and contributing to the betterment of society at large.”
- Monarch Butterfly symbolically renamed the “Catherine’s Butterfly” by the North American Butterfly Association. The recognition honored Catherine’s 18th birthday and the environmental work done on her behalf.
New Partnerships:
- North American Butterfly Association
- Maurice Sendak Foundation
- NBCUniversal: CLEAR THE SHELTERS
- Garden For Wildlife by National Wildlife Federation
- 10% increase in corporate sponsors to 115
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 236 words used.
The sanctuary’s programs and services to support humans, animals and the environment have grown exponentially every year since its inception. This achievement is truly remarkable given a team of only five employees and no current physical infrastructure on the 34-acre property. All events and programs are either weather dependent or held under tents or through borrowed space. And yet, attendance continues to skyrocket, proving that humane and compassionate learning is not only needed but highly sought. This spring 2025, with the construction of the sanctuary’s first educational facility, programming can be expanded throughout the year.
Compared to other organizations, the sanctuary takes an all-inclusive stance for the betterment of the whole, whereas other groups might only focus on one facet such as animal welfare, education or the environment. The sanctuary has proven itself a unique entity in showing that these three systems must work in cohesive synergy to truly benefit the world in which we live.
The sanctuary is a rare model of compassion, and the nation has taken notice. When negative news stories flood the airwaves and divisiveness seems to be at every turn, the sanctuary is a beacon of light – a thought leader in approaching the world through a different lens. Featured in the top national and international newspapers, newscasts and programs, the sanctuary is inspiring a better world through example, word, deed and action – one human and animal at a time.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 142 words used.
Attached, you will find supporting materials that substantiate the claims made in this nomination, providing a comprehensive view of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary’s impactful achievements. The documentation includes:
- Video recapping the sanctuary’s 2024 highlights and achievements.
- 2024 At-A-Glance highlighting statistics
- Newsletters showing the impact, images and testimonials of those supported by sanctuary programs.
- Newsletter showing partnership with Maurice Sendak Foundation
- Testimonials
- Links to news stories and features like the recent appearance on the Kelly Clarkson Show.
- Photo of the CT Governor’s proclamation and the “Catherine Butterfly” renaming.
- Link to the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary website.
- Video from Senator Richard Blumenthal about the sanctuary’s remarkable work.
- Video showing progress on Catherine’s Learning Barn – the sanctuary’s first educational facility.
In summary, the attached materials and links serve as evidence to the sanctuary’s transformative impact, growth, thought leadership and industry recognition.
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