Rescue Pack Celebrates 10 Years of Delivering Over 51 Million Meals to Pets in Need
Rescue Pack, a nonprofit organization based in West Chicago, Illinois, marks its tenth anniversary by celebrating the distribution of over 51.4 million meals to pets in need. Founded in 2016, the organization has helped rescue countless animals and support pet owners struggling with food insecurity. With over 30 million pets living in food-insecure households, the mission of Rescue Pack has become increasingly vital in providing assistance to both families and animal rescues across the Great Lakes region.
The journey of Rescue Pack began when founder Kathy Wiesner decided to leverage her corporate experience in the tech industry to start a nonprofit aimed at solving a pressing issue she recognized in her community. In 2025, it was reported that 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters, a staggering statistic that highlighted the need for solutions to keep these animals out of shelters and in loving homes. Wiesner’s approach focuses on redistributing surplus pet food and supplies, creating a lifeline for rescues and food-insecure families alike. Over the past decade, Rescue Pack has managed to redirect more than 17.1 million pounds of pet food and supplies, using resources that might otherwise go to waste.
In a recent sharing of her insights, Wiesner outlined ten key lessons learned from her decade-long experience running Rescue Pack. She emphasizes the value of a corporate mindset in nonprofit work, highlighting the need for building relationships and creating scalable systems to facilitate efficient operations. While initially focused on logistics, Wiesner quickly learned that the real work was about saving lives and supporting communities. Each pallet of food or supplies that moves through their warehouse plays a crucial role in helping an organization continue its lifesaving efforts.
Wiesner also stresses the importance of collaboration among different rescues and organizations. She notes that sharing resources and working together can lead to stronger outcomes in animal welfare. This collaborative spirit has fostered a culture of support where organizations are willing to assist each other, ultimately benefiting the animals in need.
Another lesson Wiesner imparts is the pivotal role that financial resources play. By providing pet food to rescues, organizations can redirect their funds towards other crucial aspects such as medical care and spay/neuter programs, further enhancing their impact in the community. The realization that keeping pets in their homes is as vital as finding them new ones has transformed Rescue Pack's strategy; they not only focus on adoptions but also on preventative measures to avoid surrenders.
The nonprofit celebrated its tenth anniversary with the launch of the Rescue Pack Medical Fund in April 2026. This fund is dedicated to offering monthly grants that assist member rescues with urgent veterinary care and surgeries for animals poised for recovery and adoption. Wiesner expressed pride in this addition, stating, “Every animal deserves a chance at a healthy life and happy home.” The financial assistance provided by this program serves as an additional layer of care for the organizations and the vulnerable pets they assist.
In conclusion, as Rescue Pack reflects on its ten-year journey, it fortifies the essential message that caring for animals extends beyond mere logistics; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of pets and people. The combination of heart, strategy, and collaboration has empowered Rescue Pack to provide significant aid throughout the Great Lakes region, proving that when businesses and nonprofits join forces, the ripple effects can be profound and far-reaching.
The journey of Rescue Pack began when founder Kathy Wiesner decided to leverage her corporate experience in the tech industry to start a nonprofit aimed at solving a pressing issue she recognized in her community. In 2025, it was reported that 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters, a staggering statistic that highlighted the need for solutions to keep these animals out of shelters and in loving homes. Wiesner’s approach focuses on redistributing surplus pet food and supplies, creating a lifeline for rescues and food-insecure families alike. Over the past decade, Rescue Pack has managed to redirect more than 17.1 million pounds of pet food and supplies, using resources that might otherwise go to waste.
In a recent sharing of her insights, Wiesner outlined ten key lessons learned from her decade-long experience running Rescue Pack. She emphasizes the value of a corporate mindset in nonprofit work, highlighting the need for building relationships and creating scalable systems to facilitate efficient operations. While initially focused on logistics, Wiesner quickly learned that the real work was about saving lives and supporting communities. Each pallet of food or supplies that moves through their warehouse plays a crucial role in helping an organization continue its lifesaving efforts.
Wiesner also stresses the importance of collaboration among different rescues and organizations. She notes that sharing resources and working together can lead to stronger outcomes in animal welfare. This collaborative spirit has fostered a culture of support where organizations are willing to assist each other, ultimately benefiting the animals in need.
Another lesson Wiesner imparts is the pivotal role that financial resources play. By providing pet food to rescues, organizations can redirect their funds towards other crucial aspects such as medical care and spay/neuter programs, further enhancing their impact in the community. The realization that keeping pets in their homes is as vital as finding them new ones has transformed Rescue Pack's strategy; they not only focus on adoptions but also on preventative measures to avoid surrenders.
The nonprofit celebrated its tenth anniversary with the launch of the Rescue Pack Medical Fund in April 2026. This fund is dedicated to offering monthly grants that assist member rescues with urgent veterinary care and surgeries for animals poised for recovery and adoption. Wiesner expressed pride in this addition, stating, “Every animal deserves a chance at a healthy life and happy home.” The financial assistance provided by this program serves as an additional layer of care for the organizations and the vulnerable pets they assist.
In conclusion, as Rescue Pack reflects on its ten-year journey, it fortifies the essential message that caring for animals extends beyond mere logistics; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of pets and people. The combination of heart, strategy, and collaboration has empowered Rescue Pack to provide significant aid throughout the Great Lakes region, proving that when businesses and nonprofits join forces, the ripple effects can be profound and far-reaching.
Topics Other）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.