Community Support Spotlight: Recognition, Partnerships, and Opportunities to Help
- Mar 7
- 4 min read
At Homeless to Home Animal Rescue & Cat Sanctuary, the work of caring for animals in need is only possible because of the incredible network of people and organizations who believe in what we do.
Recently, we’ve received some exciting recognition and opportunities that highlight just how powerful community support can be — and we’re honored to share them with you.
Honored Through the Steve Guthrie Memorial Award for Excellence
Homeless to Home recently received a generous contribution made possible through the Buckeye Community Hope Foundation, thanks to Stan Nicol, the 2025 recipient of the Steve Guthrie Memorial Award for Excellence.
Each year, the Buckeye Community Hope Foundation presents this award to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to their communities. In addition to receiving the honor itself, the award recipient is invited to designate a nonprofit organization to receive a charitable donation in recognition of their achievement.
For 2025, Stan Nicol selected Homeless to Home Animal Rescue & Cat Sanctuary as the organization to receive that support.
This recognition carries a particularly meaningful connection. Stan and his wife, Beth, adopted two cats from our rescue in 2018, and their continued support is a powerful reminder of the lasting bonds formed through adoption.
About the Buckeye Community Hope Foundation
The Buckeye Community Hope Foundation (BCHF) is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with a mission focused on “Building Communities and Rebuilding Lives.”
Founded in 1991, the organization has spent decades supporting communities through initiatives focused on affordable housing, education, and community development.
Over the years, Buckeye Community Hope has helped develop more than 130 affordable housing communities across 12 states, creating thousands of safe and stable homes for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Through programs like the Steve Guthrie Memorial Award for Excellence, the foundation also recognizes community leaders while supporting nonprofit organizations making meaningful impacts at the local level.
Cats, Hockey, and a Fun Way to Support Rescue Work
In another exciting opportunity for the rescue community, Homeless to Home has been included in the Columbus Blue Jackets' “Pucks & Paws” fundraising program, which supports Central Ohio animal nonprofits through special ticketed hockey games.
While many of the participating organizations focus primarily on dogs, Homeless to Home was thrilled to discover that our rescue made the list as well.
As the original post joked: “Who said cats and hockey don’t go together?”
Tuesday, March 31 – 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 4 – 7:00 PM
The links above take you directly to the game page to purchase fundraiser tickets.
Tickets purchased through the fundraiser include a built-in donation that supports participating animal nonprofits:
Lower bowl tickets (~$95) include $20 donated to the fundraiser
Upper bowl tickets (~$60) include $10 donated to the fundraiser
When purchasing tickets, supporters can select which nonprofit they want their contribution to support — so be sure to scroll to the bottom of the nonprofit list and select Homeless to Home Animal Rescue.
Current Fundraising Standings
As of the time this article is being written, the fundraiser has already begun generating support for participating rescues.
While there are no prizes or special benefits tied to ranking positions, it’s still fun to watch how the rescues stack up and see the community support grow over time. Every ticket purchased through the fundraiser helps support organizations working every day to improve the lives of animals in our region.
If you’re planning to attend a Blue Jackets game this season, this is a great opportunity to enjoy a night of hockey while also helping support rescue animals at the same time.
A Longstanding Connection with the Tortorella Foundation
Homeless to Home also has the honor of being listed among organizations supported by The Tortorella Foundation, founded by John Tortorella and Christine Tortorella.
The foundation has supported numerous initiatives focused on helping animals and children in need, and their generosity has made a difference for many nonprofits across the country.
The Tortorella Foundation has helped Homeless to Home on multiple occasions over the years and has even participated in and spoken at our golf outings. Their continued support is something we are deeply grateful for.
John Tortorella, who previously coached the Columbus Blue Jackets, is currently serving on the coaching staff for the 2026 U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team, and we wish them the very best as they pursue Olympic gold.
Why Community Support Matters
Running an animal rescue requires constant collaboration. Veterinary care, food, shelter, medical treatment, and rehabilitation all depend on partnerships and community involvement.
Support from foundations, businesses, sports organizations, and individuals allows rescues like Homeless to Home to continue helping animals who might otherwise have nowhere to go.
Every partnership, recognition, and opportunity strengthens the mission — and helps ensure more animals receive the care and second chances they deserve.
Our Gratitude
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to:
Stan Nicol for selecting Homeless to Home through the Steve Guthrie Memorial Award
The Buckeye Community Hope Foundation for supporting community nonprofits
The Columbus Blue Jackets for creating fundraising opportunities for local rescues
The Tortorella Foundation for their continued generosity and support
And of course, thank you to our supporters, adopters, volunteers, and donors who make this mission possible every day.
Together, we are creating brighter futures for animals who need it most.
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