This month, we are proud to shine a light on our dedicated White Whiskers Board President, Gary Bluestein.
Garyβs journey with White Whiskers began in 2019, when a familiar face reached out. He had known and respected our founder, Polla Milligan, from their work together on the Walk Off Hunger fundraiser for the Food Bank of WNY. When Polla shared the heartbreaking stories of senior dogs abandoned in cages and asked for his help to create a sanctuary where these dogs could live out their lives with love and comfort, Gary did not hesitate.
As the inaugural board chair, Gary, an attorney with Lippes Mathias who focuses his practice on tax representation, helped lay the foundation for what White Whiskers is today.
Β βBeing on a nonprofit board is an incredible privilegeβand a serious responsibility,β Gary reflects. βOur role is to provide oversight, ensure accountability, and help an organization succeed in fulfilling its mission. Iβm so grateful to every board member who has joined me over the past six years in carrying out that responsibility.β
The early days were far from easy. From brainstorming fundraising ideas to overcoming countless roadblocks in finding a municipality to host the sanctuary, the challenges were constant. Then came the pandemic. βFundraising during a worldwide shutdown seemed impossible,β Gary recalls, βbut Polla somehow rallied the community and raised significant support, even in those darkest days.β
Over the years, Gary has witnessed countless moments that remind him why this mission matters:
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A new reason to live: An elderly man shared a photo of himself with his one-eyed rescue dog, saying that after losing all his friends and family, the dog, placed by White Whiskers, gave him a reason to get up in the morning.
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A perfect match: A woman sought companionship for her 100-year-old mother, who was in excellent health but extremely lonely. By chance, a dog had just arrived at White Whiskers after its owner entered a nursing home. βIt was meant to be,β Gary says. βMatching that dog with such an extraordinary woman was incredibly gratifying.β
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A gift of gratitude: A woman mailed a $20 donation with a request that Polla give her a call. During the conversation, she shared that her son had passed away suddenly, leaving her with a collie she didnβt know if she could care for. Β Polla promised that White Whiskers would be there for her if needed. Shortly after the call a $20,000 check arrived in the mail from the same woman. Ultimately, she did need the help of White Whiskers, and the dog was placed in a loving home.
βThese stories remind us that White Whiskers isnβt just for dogs,β Gary says. βItβs for people, too. The bond we create between dogs and their families truly changes lives.β
Now, as Gary prepares to step down as Board President, he reflects with pride:
βFrom scratch, we built a beautiful sanctuary that not only provides safe, loving care for senior dogs but also brings joy and healing to veterans, individuals with disabilities, our dozens of volunteers and so many others who experience the therapeutic connection of our canine friends.β
From all of us at White Whiskers: Thank you, Gary, for your time, leadership, and endless generosity. Volunteers and leaders like you are what keep White Whiskers going strong.
Interested in joining our amazing volunteer team, either to join the board or work in the sanctuary?Β Email us at whitewhiskerssds@gmail.com to learn how you can help!
