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An Extraordinary Gift, and the Work That Continues

  • Jan 16
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jan 16

Every so often, something happens that takes the breath right out of you.


Earlier this year, Homeless to Home Animal Rescue & Cat Sanctuary received a donation that did exactly that — a $25,000 gift from Rex and Nancy Riggs. A single act of generosity so substantial, so unexpected, and so deeply meaningful that it quite literally saved us from some challenges in our immediate future.


We want to say this clearly and with our whole hearts:




How This Gift Found Its Way to Us


The story behind this donation is one rooted in connection and trust.


Through a longtime adopter and supporter in Columbus — someone who knows both our rescue and Nancy personally — Homeless to Home was recommended as a rescue worth supporting. At the time, Rex and Nancy were exploring ways they could help an animal rescue.


Months passed. And then, out of the blue, we received an email asking to visit.


Rex and Nancy toured the sanctuary in early September 2025, spending time walking the property, meeting cats, and seeing firsthand what rescue looks like on an ordinary day — not just the happy endings, but the work in between. They told us they liked what they saw.


Right before Christmas, they reached out again, wanting to return.


On January 2, they came back — and that visit led to a very welcomed check in our hands.




Thank you, Christine, and her handsome Mr. Newman, for bringing us together. 

Without that relationship, this story may never have unfolded the way it did.




What $25,000 Means in Rescue Work


For animal rescues, there is no such thing as “extra” money.


This donation immediately went toward the places where the need is greatest: daily operating costs, outstanding veterinary bills, and specialty medical care for cats who require far more than routine treatment.


It helped relieve pressure. It allowed us to breathe. It gave us room to keep saying yes — even when doing so stretches every resource we have.


It is not an exaggeration to say this gift saved us in a very real way.



Yet It Was Gone So Quickly


We also want to be transparent.


As incredible as $25,000 is, rescue work does not pause — and it does not end.


We do everything in our power to help every cat (and other kinds) that comes through our doors. Saying "no" is terrifying to us for the animals' sakes. Sadly, many other organizations in surrounding counties — sometimes across the state — have had to turn animals away. We try our hardest to not be another "no" to these animals in need.


That commitment comes at a cost.


Recently, dental and oral health care has been a major strain. Cleanings, extractions, and advanced dental procedures are expensive, but they are not optional. Dental disease can be painful, debilitating, and life-threatening if left untreated.


On top of that, as warmer weather approaches, we face some harsh, annual realities. We receive thousands of kittens every year, and with every cat and kitten comes the need for flea and tick prevention. Preventing infestations and disease across our population costs around $12,000 each year — before a single emergency arises.


When you add in daily care, medications, specialty cases, and unexpected medical needs... funds move quickly, and the need never slows down.



This Gift Matters So Much


Extraordinary generosity like this keeps rescue work possible.


It doesn’t mean the work is done — but it means the work can continue.


Rex and Nancy’s donation gave us stability for a moment. It allowed us to focus on care instead of crisis. It gave cats in need a fighting chance — and it reminded us that people see this work, believe in it, and want to be part of it.


Beyond the financial impact, Rex’s background in the veterinary field has brought an additional layer of support. He has generously offered to be available to the rescue for advice and insight — a gift of knowledge and experience that is invaluable in this line of work.


That kind of support is priceless.



With Gratitude, and With Honesty


To Rex and Nancy: thank you for trusting us, for taking the time to truly see what we do, and for making an impact that will be felt by countless cats and caregivers alike.


And to our community: this gift is a powerful reminder of what compassion can do — and why continued support, in all forms, still matters so deeply.


There is no finish line in rescue work. But with generosity like this, and a state-wide community that stands beside us, we keep moving forward — one cat, one day, one act of kindness at a time.



Want to Help Carry This Work Forward?


If you’ve been inspired by Rex and Nancy’s incredible generosity, there are many ways you can help support Homeless to Home.


We keep an updated list of supplies needed for our day-to-day operations, which you can find here. These items directly support the cats in our care and help keep the sanctuary running smoothly.


You can also make a direct donation to Homeless to Home. Every contribution — no matter the size — helps us continue providing medical care, food, shelter, and safety to cats in need.



Ways to Donate


📞 Credit Card: 740-802-8736 ext. 1

💜 Venmo: @hthanimalrescue

💵 CashApp: $kimn111

📬 Mail: 1745 Marion Waldo Rd, Marion, OH 43302



Additional Unique Ways to Donate and Support


Another way to donate is through The Woods by visiting our Donate page. Donations made through that page are split 50/50 between The Woods Park & Pavilion and Homeless to Home. This helps support both the rescue directly and the venue that acts as HTH's source of continuous income.


If shopping is more your style, yet another way to support Homeless to Home is by purchasing merchandise that shows your love for animals and the rescue. Profits from these product sales are also split 50/50 between The Woods and Homeless to Home, making every purchase a meaningful way to give back.


Lastly, you can support HTH simply by doing something you already do all the time: grocery shopping! By selecting us as your nonprofit of choice through Kroger, a portion of your purchases will benefit the rescue at no extra cost to you. To learn how to set this up, click here.


Extraordinary gifts like Rex and Nancy’s make an enormous impact — and ongoing community support is what allows that impact to last.

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