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Jeff Blount Memorial Fund at Rikki’s Refuge

Jeff in 1996 on his favorite motorcycle, a 1974 Motto Guzzi.

Jeff passed away on October 2^nd 2018 in a motorcycle accident. Jeff was not only intelligent, kind, gentle and witty, he also loved his friends and family and respected all persons no matter their background or abilities. He personally cared for his mother who lived at home with dementia for seven years. He was charitable and although his own resources were few, he gave to others in need of money or his services of vehicle repair free of charge. You can read Jeff’s obituary here: https://www.milesodumfuneralhome.com/obituary/jeffrey-blount

In honor of Jeff’s memory, his family has established the Jeff Blount Memorial Fund at Rikki’s Refuge, to support Rikki’s “people programs.” We all know that for the past 20 years Rikki’s Refuge, has been a no-kill sanctuary for homeless animals of all species and abilities. What might be less known is Rikki’s is also a refuge for persons of all backgrounds and abilities through Rikki’s nondiscriminatory job opportunities, volunteer programs and services. Examples of just of a few of the people-serving services already underway, but which need your support to continue and expand are:

• Volunteer programs and other assistance for individuals including the elderly, disabled, un/underemployed and persons with depression or PTSD.


• Jobs and job training for persons who would otherwise have barriers to employment such as homeless persons, persons with disabilities, emancipated minors, and persons who have been incarcerated, discharged from a successful addiction program or have court ordered community service.


• Providing a residence at Rikki’s for pets of the elderly who are no longer able to care for their pet because they have moved to a nursing home, for example, and transporting that pet for regular visits with its owner.


• Providing pet food and vet care for pets of persons who could not otherwise afford it, including military families.


• Providing shelter, fencing, dog houses so that the owner may keep their pet rather than having it seized by Animal Control.


• Providing programs for youth and children who have special needs, to interact with the animals at Rikki’s in a safe and controlled environment.


• Animal kindness educational outreach to schools and other youth-oriented forums by introducing them to Rikki’s disabled animal residents, teaching empathy and respect for all living creatures, including humans, who have intellectual or physical disabilities.


• Kamp Kindness, a camp for children and adults of all ages and abilities designed to meet their needs and challenges as they learn about animals, kindness and compassion for all.


• Children’s reading program for children 6-12 years of age who read to and with the animals.


• Rikki’s Thrift shop, Re-Tail, sells clothing and other items at a greatly reduced costs to be affordable for those who have limited financial resources and donates clothing and household items to under privileged teens, the homeless, women’s shelters and nursing home residents in need while providing volunteer opportunities, including those for students and adults with disabilities.

Kerry, executive director of Rikki’s Refuge and Jeff’s cousin, also has a dream to provide a dormitory residence at Rikki’s Refuge for youth with behavioral and social difficulties. These youth would be immersed in a farm life that includes animal related chores morning and evening while attending school during the day.

Please help us raise money to continue and expand Rikki’s programs for helping people help animals, including fulfilling Kerry’s dream.

Rikki’s Refuge is owned and operated by Life Unlimited of Virginia, Inc., an approved not-for profit Virginia Corporation and IRS tax code 501(c)(3) corporation as determined by the IRS. Federal Tax-ID number 54-1911042. A financial statement is available upon written request from the Virginia State Office of Consumer Affairs.

Jeff in the Fall of 2017, about one year before he passed away.

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