OUR HISTORY
My husband Anthony and I first became involved with Central Florida animal welfare in February 2003 when we adopted our first dog from the SPCA of Central Florida. He was a 2-year old English foxhound whose family decided they couldn’t take care of him anymore. We named him Franklin after Benjamin Franklin, whose statue is perched on a bench at the University of Pennsylvania where my husband and I lunched daily during our ten years of school in Philadelphia. We were so grateful that Franklin had a safe place to stay while he was waiting to be adopted that we decided we wanted to become more involved with animal welfare.
Initially, our involvement was limited to dropping off dog food and pet supplies at the local shelter. Then, in October 2003, we decided to walk in one of the SPCA of Central Florida's fundraisers – the Wiggle Waggle Walk. We put together a "pack" of a few pet lovers and called ourselves Franklin's Friends. We raised only a little more than $500 but won the award for the top fundraising pack. We were horrified to see that the TOP pack raised so little money for such a wonderful cause. So we vowed to work harder and raise more money the next year. Since then, we have adopted two additional dogs from the SPCA of Central Florida – Katie and Juliette – and rescued four other dogs, Annie, Lincoln, Winston, and Jolene.
As our four-legged family grew, so did Franklin’s Friends; growing bigger and stronger every year since. And how far we have come – last year we raised over $233,000!!!! All told we have raised over 2 million dollars for local animal welfare. Just imagine how many pets those dollars have helped.
We are always looking for new members of Franklin’s Friends, so if you and your four-legged friend(s) are interested in fundraising with us please contact me at franklinsfriends@gmail.com or call (260)693-PETS(7387).
Monisha Seth, President
Franklin's Friends
Want to volunteer?
We hold signature fundraising events in May and October as well as several smaller events throughout the year. We are always seeking dedicated pet-loving volunteers.
OUR APPROACH
We are a strictly volunteer based organization with no paid employees. We pride ourselves on fiscal responsibility. Expenses for our fundraising events run under 15%; well below the industry standard of 33%.
Franklin's Friends raises money primarily through two signature events - "Unleashed. Uncorked. Unframed" (a cocktail attire event with spectacular live and silent auctions) and "HOWL-O-WEEN" (a fall dog walk-a-thon and canine costume contest). Then, through a rigorous application process we grant those funds to deserving local animal welfare agencies.
We accept grant applications year round from organizations in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia, Lake, Brevard, Hillsborough, and Polk Counties. We will only contribute funds to 501(c)(3) organizations or government agencies that are veterinarily and fiscally responsible. We will not consider applications from individuals. We will not provide grants for the purchase of property or buildings. We will not grant funds to organizations who do not treat heartworm positive dogs with immiticide injections unless they are applying for funds to allow them to do so.
All funds granted are restricted to the purpose specified in the grant application which must be aligned with our mission. Any organization receiving a grant from Franklin’s Friends is required to furnish invoices demonstrating how our funds were spent.
For more information, please email franklinsfriends@gmail.com or call (260)693-PETS(7387).
Meet the Board
MONISHA SETH
PRESIDENT
Monisha is an internal medicine physician serving as the Medical Director for Strategy and Experience for AdventHealth, Central Florida Division South. She and her husband Anthony founded Franklin's Friends in 2003 after adopting their first dog Franklin from the SPCA of Central Florida. They are now the proud parents of 3 rescued hounds - Winston, Lincoln, and Jolene. She is pictured here with Franklin - who inspired all the important work Franklin's Friends has done to support local animal welfare.
ANTHONY DOUGLAS
VICE PRESIDENT
Anthony is a founding member and Vice-President of Franklin's Friends. He, along with his wife, Monisha Seth, founded Franklin's Friends after adopting their foxhound, Franklin, from the SPCA of Central Florida. He is an internal medicine physician with AdventHealth Medical Group in Maitland, Florida and is the proud father of three rescued hounds that both fulfill and challenge his life.
MICHELE BUTLER
SECRETARY
Michele spent 22 years working as a manager in the insurance industry before leaving to run her e-commerce company, 18th and Market. Her management experience in a corporate environment provided her valuable experiences which guide her decisions as a Franklin's Friends board member. Michele and her husband Steve are both animal lovers who are blessed to be able to share their lives with two rescued miniature longhaired Dachshunds, Gracie and JoJo.
TONY CAPITANO
DIRECTOR
Tony is a financial consultant who is passionate about helping his clients save for retirement. He brings a wealth of financial background to the board. He is a life long animal lover having rescued a Greyhound as a young boy. He was the father of a rescued high energy Boxer named Dexter and is married to Nicole who shares his love for dogs.
SHELLY SPRAGUE
DIRECTOR
Shelley is a former Radiation Therapist and Cardiology Practice Manager, who has over 23 years working with the public in both a clinical and corporate environment. Shelley grew up on a farm in Canada, and was always rescuing stray animals. Since moving to Florida, she has rescued 2 boxers Pasha and Nemo. Shelley and her husband have supported Franklin’s Friends since 2006. She shares her home with her husband Amr, and is a proud Mom of two children, and her tiny Goldendoodle Cuddles and tiny Bernadoodle Arya.
MICHAEL THOMAS
DIRECTOR
Michael owns John Michael Events, a catering and event company as well as Celebration Gardens, an event venue. He and his husband Rustin are avid pet lovers and have and have 3 pug children – Luna, Suki and Yogi Bear. Michael has sat on several boards including the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, Maitland Art & History Museums and Come Out With Pride. Michael has always had a mantra of "the more you give, the more you will receive" and loves contributing to our community.
STEVE BUTLER
LEAD WEB DESIGNER
Steve is the Director of IES Account Management for Auto Injury Solutions. His consulting and leadership experience in a corporate environment are well-suited to aid in guiding and facilitating Franklin's Friends business decisions. Steve and his wife Michele are both animal lovers who are blessed to be able to share their lives with two rescued miniature longhaired Dachshunds, Gracie and JoJo.
CRYSTAL LEROY
DIRECTOR
Crystal is a recent graduate of Lincoln Memorial University-College of Veterinary Medicine. She currently works as a small animal and exotics veterinarian in central Florida. Her interests include volunteering locally and internationally with organizations such as World Vets to help mitigate dog and cat overpopulation. Her passions are veterinary medicine and animal welfare. She is a proud beagle mom and has two beautiful cats (Darwin and Finch).
KIM FREEMAN
DIRECTOR
Kim is a Certified Project Manager and works as a Contract Analyst for Duke Energy and has been with the company 8 years. She comes from a family of animal lovers, has always had pets and cannot imagine not having one in her life. She trusted her dog Bandit's judgement so much she told her then-boyfriend if her dog didn't like him, he was "out". Luckily, he passed Bandit's inspection and they have been together many years, now married and 'owned' by 2 sweet rescue dogs, Koda and Rusty. (Koda is pictured)
OUR CONSULTANTS
Brandy Montague, Graphic Design Consultant
Brandy Heyde Montague is always getting involved in new ventures to help animals around the world. She’s currently the owner of Trendy Little Sweethearts, an eco-friendly apparel line that focuses on teaching children compassion for animals as they grow. She tackles life on a daily basis with her husband, Shawn, and four children, two of the human kind (Miya + Bauer), and two of the furry rescue kind (Cuzco + Maku).
Heather Boughman, Holiday Fundraising Consultant
Heather Boughman is a wife, mother, healthy lifestyle advocate, animal lover, and entrepreneur. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in “Network Information Systems” from the University of Minnesota which provided a great educational experience, but which she’s never used. She has held several personal training certifications (including ISSA and NASM), owns a healthy vending company (www.nutritiousvendingoptions.com) and is a skin care consultant for Rodan + Fields. All aspects of “healthy living” go out the window each year during the holiday season, however, when she and her husband, Eric, begin making Rum Balls to raise money for Franklin’s Friends.
Eric Boughman, Legal Consultant/Holiday Fundraising Consultant
Eric Boughman is the co-founder of ForsterBoughman, a Central Florida corporate boutique law firm, and the leader of the firm’s healthcare and technology practices. He is a frequent author and presenter in the areas of technology, healthcare law, and asset protection. He is engaged in the community: as a board member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Lake Mary; member of the Seminole Action Board to address homelessness; and member of the Advisory Board of the Paralyzed Veterans of American (Central Florida Chapter). Eric provides legal services to Franklin’s Friends as needed. He and his awesome wife, Heather, are parents to Peyton, her little brother, Ethan, and their dog, Chloe (by adoption). He and his family have been enthusiastic supporters of Franklin’s Friends since its creation. His fondest childhood memories include sneaking rumballs at family Christmas gatherings in Philadelphia and that has been an inspiration for creating rumballs to raise money for Franklin’s Friends.
Dr. Tabbie Franklin, Veterinary Consultant
Tabbie Franklin is an associate veterinarian at BeeVet Animal Hospital near Austin, TX. She just moved to Austin from Longwood, FL where she worked at Sanlando Springs Animal Hospital for almost 14 years. Originally from Oklahoma, she obtained her DVM from Oklahoma State University in 2004. She then came to Central Florida to do an internship at Affiliated Veterinary Specialists in Maitland. In her spare time she enjoys travelling, going to concerts and spending time with family and friends. Her family includes two adopted dogs (Scoot Dog and Jack) and one kitty (Em). She is excited and honored to be a part of Franklin’s Friends.
Tori Ferrante, Social Media Consultant
Tori comes from the world of advertising, marketing and social media and is currently using her communication talents as a copywriter for Holiday Inn Club Vacations. In both her professional and personal life, she’s worked with many nonprofit organizations, including Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, Victory Cup Initiative, Seniors First, Zebra Coalition and more. After growing up with a number of different pets (including a mouse!), she developed a true love for helping animals in need. In addition to supporting Franklin’s Friends with social media and events, she also volunteers her time at Orange County Animal Services, playing with the shelter’s dogs and working with potential adopters.
Gold paw partners
Silver paw partners
bronze paw partners
Some of Our Grant Recipients
