LOLLYPOP FARM ANNOUNCES THE HIRING OF VALERIE DONNELLY AS CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

FAIRPORT, N.Y. – As Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, continues to expand its reach and strengthen its role as a trusted community resource, the organization is pleased to announce the appointment of Valerie Donnelly as its Chief Advancement Officer.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Valerie to this important role,” said Alice Calabrese, President and CEO of Lollypop Farm. “Her vision for Lollypop Farm’s future and passion for our lifesaving mission was evident throughout the interview process. Valerie’s extensive experience in forging meaningful connections and elevating philanthropic engagement will be instrumental as we propel Lollypop Farm toward becoming one of the foremost animal welfare and humane education centers in the United States as part of the Kindness for All Kind campaign. I’m looking forward to the positive impact she will have for pets and the people who love them throughout the Greater Rochester area and beyond.”

Donnelly brings nearly two decades of leadership in advancing philanthropic missions, expanding community relationships, and launching successful awareness and fundraising initiatives. She joins Lollypop Farm from the University of Rochester Medical Center, where she most recently served as Senior Director of the Highland Hospital Foundation. In that role, she spearheaded foundation activities that supported critical hospital priorities, led the organization’s signature fundraising events, and established philanthropic strategies that broadened major gift engagement.

Prior to her tenure at Highland Hospital, Donnelly served as Director for the Philanthropy Champions Program and Clinical Advancement at URMC, playing a pivotal role in bolstering engagement programming that has generated more than $50 million since its inception. Her efforts contributed to nearly $2 million in individual gifts to strengthen patient programs and services, further reflecting her ability to build strong donor relationships and inspire transformational support.

“I’m extremely excited to join the Lollypop Farm Team,” said Donnelly. “For more than 150 years, Lollypop Farm has built an outstanding reputation for service, education, and animal welfare. It’s an incredibly important time for our region as our capital campaign, Kindness for All Kind, will rewrite the blueprint for animal welfare and ensure that our community has access to exceptional animal care, veterinary services, and meaningful resources for generations to come. I’m eager to meet with those who have helped shape this organization’s story and look forward to helping move our mission and the future of animal welfare forward.”

Earlier in her career, Donnelly led annual giving efforts at the University of Rochester, overseeing campaigns for 12 programs and driving more than 90,000 annual transactions. Her record of cultivating donor loyalty, scaling philanthropic outreach, and building cohesive teams positions her well to advance Lollypop Farm’s strategic priorities.

Donnelly, who holds a Bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Business Administration from Canisius College, will oversee Lollypop Farm’s development and communications team. In this role, she will guide efforts to grow community support, expand philanthropic investment, and champion the organization’s vision for a more compassionate future, helping secure Lollypop Farm’s place as a national leader in animal welfare and humane education.

To discover how Lollypop Farm is impacting the Greater Rochester region through life-saving animal care, essential services, advocacy efforts, and impactful educational programming, or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.lollypop.org.

About Kindness for All Kind

Construction is underway on Lollypop Farm’s Kindness for All Kind project! Together, we’re building a brighter future for animals and the people who care for them throughout the Greater Rochester area and beyond. This visionary project will create a safe haven for animals in need, offer compassion to those seeking help, and provide unwavering support to the community and caregivers who make second chances possible every day.

Kindness for All Kind will enhance our abilities to care for animals and serve our community. The innovative project includes a new Animal Intake Center, enhanced Dog Holding Facilities, a community-focused Welcome Center, the Karpus Family Foundation Learning Center, expanded farm facilities, a modernized Maintenance Barn, and a Donations and Support Center to meet the growing needs of Lollypop Farm and the community. To learn more about Kindness for All Kind, including how you can support this generational investment in compassion and community, visit lollypop.org/kindness or contact Cathie Wright, Vice President of Donor Relations, at (585) 223-1330 ext. 245 or at wright@lollypop.org.

About Lollypop Farm

Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Lollypop Farm is committed to creating a just and compassionate world for all animals. Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With its main campus in Fairport and a satellite adoption center in Greece Ridge Mall, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent, nonprofit organization supported through donations and program fees. For more information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

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