One by One
Last Chance Animal Rescue, Recipient

Last Chance Animal Rescue

Holbrook, New York

From rescue to refuge—helping animals one by one

Last Chance Animal Rescue is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats from shelters that euthanize. Its work, which began in 2008 in Long Island, New York, includes an adoption program with the ultimate goal of finding furever homes for its rescued pets. In 2013, it expanded to include an animal sanctuary in South Carolina.

At any given time, there are usually 30 to 40 dogs up for adoption and about 120 that live at the sanctuary. “Maybe about half of those at the sanctuary are adoptable,” said Lauren Lester, fundraising coordinator. “While some of the others may not be suited for adoption due to medical needs, special behaviors, or being truly feral, they will continue to live out their days at the farm—a safe, beautiful place where they are cared for and loved.”

According to Lester, what sets Last Chance Animal Rescue apart is its lifelong commitment to the animals it saves. If someone adopts a dog and—even 10 years later—can no longer provide care, the organization will always welcome the animal back regardless of its medical or behavioral situation. “We don’t want to see them put in a shelter,” Lester said. “And we definitely don’t want them put down for any behavioral issues. We take our dogs back no matter what.”

Volunteer-powered rescue program

Aside from the rural South Carolina sanctuary, Last Chance Animal Rescue does not have a physical headquarters or facility. Adoptable animals are cared for by a large network of volunteers. Over the years, Lester has fostered more than 25 dogs. On top of taking care of the animals, the volunteers are busy with adoption events the rescue holds every weekend.

Like many nonprofits, the organization relies heavily on donations to carry out its mission. Its largest annual fundraiser is a summer golf outing and dinner at Stonebridge Country Club in Smithtown, New York. Impressively, the 2025 event welcomed 136 golfers and about 250 attendees.

Donor appreciation gifts make an impact

Event coolers were given out as donor appreciation gifts with the assistance of a one by one grant. The coolers were imprinted with the main event sponsor’s logo and filled with other promotional items, like golf balls, flyers, and snacks. The event went on to raise more than $75,000 through sponsorships, entry fees and donations—a milestone moment for the organization.

A note from Cheryl

Hundreds of animals have found happy furever homes thanks to Last Chance Animal Rescue. And many others have been allowed to live out their lives at the sanctuary. We were proud to support the organization’s fundraising efforts by providing donor appreciation gifts. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com.

For more information about Last Chance Animal Rescue, please visit https://www.lcarescue.org/

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