The Lead Information

Take the Lead was founded in 1993 as not-for-profit foundation under Section 501 (c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code dedicated to provide direct services, support and care for all qualified participants in the sport of dogs who suffer from the devastating realities of life-threatening or terminal illnesses. The AIDS crisis opened our eyes to the many ruthless illnesses that were challenging us to our very core. Though we came together week in and week out to compete at shows and trials, to participate in club activities, to share knowledge and common interests, we had inadequate resources in any one place to take care of those in our community who so clearly needed our help. We wanted to be there for everyone. We wanted to make a difference. Our goals, as many pointed out to us at first, were never modest. Neither were our energies. In September 1993, we held a benefit cocktail party during the Westchester weekend and gave contributors small lapel pins, emblazoned with our red leash logo. We were pleasantly surprised when we saw the pins on blazers and blouses the next day. We were overwhelmed with requests for more pins. Soon they were everywhere, East, South, Midwest, West, worn by exhibitors, handlers, judges, even first time spectators. More events followed: at Westminster, at the International, at Del Valle, in Boston, Knoxville, Houston, and Portland. Each one was very successful. Take the lead began an ambitious project to engage the AKC member clubs and the licensed clubs to support our fundraising efforts, and more importantly, to be our crucial link to guide us to those in need. In 1994, we received our first applications for assistance and immediately began making distributions. We paid medical insurance premiums, transportation costs, funeral expenses, as well as a great variety of non-medical bills. The last three years have been a time of incredible challenges and also incredible growth. As much as we would like to believe that our efforts can make miracles happen, they cannot. The money we raise ...