“Max and Erica Scherzer sponsor pet adoption fees at Humane Rescue Alliance as a ‘thank you’ to the D.C. community”

Toots via HRA

From the Humane Rescue Alliance:

“All-Star pitcher Max Scherzer and Humane Rescue Alliance board member Erica Scherzer are generously funding the adoption fees for every animal adopted from HRA Wednesday, Aug. 4 through Tuesday, Aug. 10.

The seven-day adoption promotion is the Scherzers’ way of thanking the fans for seven great years as part of the Washington, D.C. community.

The Scherzers’ support is coming at a time when HRA needs it most, with the adoption center and foster homes at capacity with cats, dogs, turtles, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and birds in need of loving homes. HRA, together with the Scherzers, hope the community will help get as many animals into their new homes as possible.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to honor our time in Washington, DC, than by sponsoring adoption fees at the Humane Rescue Alliance so even more families can benefit from the love and joy of rescue animals – a feeling we personally experience every day through our own adopted animals,” said Erica and Max Scherzer. “While our time in the District is coming to an end, we are grateful to Nationals’ fans and the entire community for welcoming us. Whether near or far, we will remain steadfast supporters of HRA.”

Lisa LaFontaine, president and CEO of the Humane Rescue Alliance, said: “This amazing gift is emblematic of the community building that the Scherzers have invested in since arriving in D.C. seven years ago. Their own pets are an integral part of their lives; as long time animal lovers and advocates, both Max and Erica appreciate how animals bring love and laughter to a home – never more so than during the last year. Through this gift, they are making it possible for more Washingtonians to expand their families and experience even more joy. It is a fitting legacy of kindness, generosity and compassion.”

LaFontaine continued: “I am delighted to have Erica as a board colleague and thinking partner – she brings creativity, dedication and a sense of purpose to our mission. We will cheer Max on in his next adventure, and we are so grateful they will remain part of the HRA family as Erica continues her board service.”

Standard virtual adoption procedures apply for all adoptions. Animals available for adoption from HRA can be seen online at humanerescuealliance.org/adopt.

On behalf of the staff, volunteers and animals of HRA and our entire community – thank you, Erica and Max!

Background:

The Scherzers are long-time animal advocates and supporters of the Humane Rescue Alliance:

• In 2020, Max and Erica lent a hand to promote pet preparedness and safety in the wake of the coronavirus through a public service announcement campaign, “#PlanforPets,” which urged pet guardians to consider their animals while making emergency preparedness plans as we braced for the pandemic.
• During the 2019 season, the Scherzers co-hosted a “Pitching in for Rescue Animals” pledge-it campaign with HRA in which animal and baseball lovers pledged donations for every strikeout Max recorded during the regular season. Max and Erica matched every single pledge, doubling the effort to help pitch in for rescue animals. Max recorded 243 strikeouts, and the campaign earned $27,873 bringing the total donation to more than $55,000.
• Erica and Max have generously sponsored the adoption fees for all of HRA’s adoptable dogs who have heterochromia, or two different colored eyes, just like Max and their family dogs.
• In 2017, the Scherzers funded adoption fees to expedite adoptions of HRA’s shelter residents, enabling HRA to make room for incoming animals displaced by Hurricane Harvey. The Scherzers’ generosity allowed for more than 100 shelter pets from hurricane-affected areas to be transported and adopted in DC. Also in 2017, Max promoted the importance of adoption in a public service announcement for HRA, and we teamed up to design HRA’s Max Scherzer apparel to support our programs and services.”