Since 1993, over $7.8 mil Dollars Distributed | More than 2300 TTL Members | During Covid-19 Assisted in over $400k in Insurance Premiums
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About Take the Lead
Who We Are
Take the Lead was founded in 1993 as a not-for-profit foundation under Section 501 (c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code dedicated to provide direct services, support and care for all qualified participants in the sport of dogs who suffer from the devastating realities of life-threatening or terminal illnesses, and to provide temporary emergency assistance to those affected by civil disasters such as fires, floods, earthquakes and the like.
What We Do
Take The Lead provides direct services, support and care for people in the sport of purebred dogs who suffer the devastation of life-threatening or terminal illness. Perhaps no one can describe who we are and what we do better than someone we have helped along the way. Our mission also includes the ability to provide temporary emergency assistance to those affected by civil disasters such as fires, floods, earthquakes and the like.
Getting Involved
We welcome your support. Take The Lead relies upon membership, donations and fundraising events held around the country.
There are many ways that you can help: through your donations, by becoming a member and being a participant in fundraising events.
A Tribute to Jeffery Pepper
Remembering Take The Lead Founding Member Jeffrey Pepper Jeff’s robust love of life and optimism was evident in all his endeavors. At the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, Jeff was one of a small group of fanciers in the Northeast who gathered to brainstorm an idea; at...
A Tribute to Pat Laurans
Pat and I were friends for 63 years. We were in college at Boston University at the same time, becoming sorority sisters, and dog enthusiasts. We began our dog careers in 1968 when we both acquired Dobermans and became involved in conformation showing. We apprenticed...
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Our History
1993
We originally began simply to lend a level of support to those impacted by the AIDS epidemic.
September 1993
The First benefit cocktail party was held during the Westchester weekend in September of 1993 where we raised approximately $35,000.
1994
Our first applications for assistance were received and we immediately began making distributions paying medical insurance premiums, funeral expenses as well as other non-medical bills.
1995
Established a permanent restricted fund and determined that up to one half of each year’s net income would be placed in it.
Testimonials
A few words from those we have impacted
Awards
Recognition within the Community
Apply for Assistance
We provide direct services, support and care for those in the purebred dog community who were facing the devastating challenges of a life-threatening or terminal illness. In addition, we are now able to provide assistance in cases of civil disasters.