Pictured from left are Tabby McDonald, Zimmer Biomet; Dustyn Arney, ZB; Tonya Blanchard, Animal Welfare League; Brooke Lyon, AWL; John Lantz, AWL; Len Tusa, ZB; and Dale Campbell, ZB. Photos provided.

News Release

WARSAW — Zimmer Biomet employees, led by the pricing team, human resources and Young Professionals Network, chose the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County as one of their donation options during a recent fundraiser event that took place at several Zimmer Biomet locations around Warsaw.

A check presentation and puppy fest were held in front of the Zimmer Biomet building on Main Street following the fundraiser. The Animal Welfare League received a total donation of $4,200 from Zimmer Biomet employees, which includes a matching donation from the Zimmer Biomet Foundation.

Employees are encouraged to log their volunteer hours and donations through the Zimmer Biomet Giving Center. Several teams actively volunteer at the Animal Welfare League by walking dogs or socializing cats.

“We are so thankful for the Zimmer Biomet donations,” said executive director Tonya Blanchard. “We can’t begin to thank them enough. Our shelter continues to have record-breaking numbers this year. Last week we had 401 pets in our care between pets in the shelter and pets in foster care. Our staff keeps going because these pets absolutely need us.”

“Our group initially organized an afternoon at AWL as a way to give back as a team. We quickly realized there was a tremendous amount of support and excitement across the entire Warsaw organization,” said Mike Smith, a senior pricing director at Zimmer Biomet. “We are proud of our community, and we will continue to give back to AWL and other local causes that our team members support through our Giving Center.”

“The love and joy of a pet is like no other, and I believe all dogs and cats deserve the chance to be part of a loving family,” said Melinda Coleman, senior development engineer II at Zimmer Biomet. “It is apparent that the staff at AWL truly cares for all of their pets, and I admire their commitment to give them a chance at a better life. I am proud to be part of a community that continuously supports their efforts, and I look forward to future events with AWL. A huge thanks to everyone at AWL for giving these pets the best chance at a good life and loving home.”

“Our crisis continues with 15 weeks at over 400 pets in our care. We continue to take in 44% more pets than what we get adopted out of the shelter. We so appreciate the Zimmer Biomet team and their financial support; it is absolutely needed,” said Animal Welfare League board President John Lantz. “We continue to struggle financially because all these pets receive vaccines, spay/neuter, microchips and all the necessary health care needed.”

“We welcome everyone in Kosciusko County to stop in and take a tour. Come and volunteer, walk dogs or snuggle with some of our kittens,” said Blanchard.

Zimmer Biomet employees came for the fundraiser and spent time loving on puppies from the Animal Welfare League.