'Arizona Gives Day' brings together Valley non-profits to raise money

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - "It's just a great way for Arizonans to show their support for their local non-profit community," said Vanessa Cornwall, of Lost Our Homes Pet Rescue.

Eviction or home foreclosure became all too common when the financial housing crisis hit Arizona. It was a time when many people left their animals in the homes they left behind.

That's when "Arizona Gives Day" was born. It's a single day celebrated in the state, an annual day of giving that has raised over $10 million in the Valley since it first started back in 2013.

"Arizona Gives Day" helps raise funds from the community for over 100 non-profits statewide, and it gives back to those non-profits who jump in to help each year, including groups like Lost Our Home Pet Rescue.

"In addition to rescuing and adopting our owners' surrendered and abandoned pets, we also have programs that are designed to keep pets with the families who love them," Cornwall said.

This year, Lost Our Home Pet Rescue is giving back to "Arizona Gives Day" in a furry-friendly way.

"For anyone who donates $200 or more, whether it's your company or you and your co-workers, we are providing puppy play dates with our adorable 9-week-old rottweiler-mix puppies and we'll bring them to your office and you can get your puppy fix," Cornwall said.