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Crazy Critters Inc. Fundraiser

Help Us! We need to make progress on the soon to be self-sustaining Herp Haven!

We have dedicated our family farm to neglected, injured, and, unwanted exotic pets. For the past few years, we have focused on specializing in turtle and tortoises. What makes us unique is after an owner surrenders ownership, Crazy Critters Inc. shares the lives of the animals on social media. And we allow them to come back as often as possible to visit and continue a bond. So people can have a peace of mind or participate while a  beloved animal thrives and grows.

Why The Need For Exotic Animal Rescue?
The exotic animal trade threatens Florida’s native species. Because Florida’s climate is so hospitable, invasive species cause more of a crisis here than anywhere else in the continental United States. Large monitor, snakes, as well as black and white tegu lizards, endanger the population of alligators, crocodiles, and turtles with their hunger for eggs. In addition to the environmental havoc the cold-blooded creatures wreak, invasive exotic species have major economic impacts. This economic effect is magnified in Florida where the climate and landscape are favorable to the establishment of invasives. Non-native reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and fresh and salt-water fish species have invaded and now call Florida home, sometimes at the ecological expense of native animal species, and often at the financial expense of humans.

Researchers have now documented some of these invasive animals in the act of stealing eggs from the nests of alligators and native turtles. In one case, hidden cameras recorded a video of two tegus removing eggs every day until the nest was left vacant. This evidence of their harmful activity was published as part of a new research study performed by a team of scientists from the University of Florida, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

In 2007, Florida banned the sale of Red-Eared Sliders within the state; it is also illegal to move a Slider from one location in Florida to another or to release one. People who already have Red-Eared Sliders can keep them, but have to meet housing requirements to prevent escapes, are banned from obtaining any more, and are required to destroy any offspring. Selling baby turtles that are less than 4 inches long has been illegal in the U.S. Still, baby turtles are cheap, adorable and seemingly low-maintenance making them perfect gift and are most likely to be purchased on a whim or given to very young children as pets.

We do not believe in euthanization!
When it comes to reptiles, cold-blooded is a way of life, not a character trait. Reptiles are capable of recognizing people by voice, sight, and smell; many are capable of learning. Some species actually benefit from interaction with humans. When cared for properly, all live as long or longer than mammalian pets of similar size.

As the guardian reptiles, we get to learn about everything from adaptation, behavior and the environment, to nutrition, camouflage, and reproductive strategies. Learning about the natural history and proper captive care of these animals just might change the outlook of the world and get people thinking more about the environment as a whole.

Why Do We Adopt?
There are so many reasons people may need to find a home for their exotic pets. Luckily, it is not always abusive or neglectful environments. We ourselves had a home fire in 2013. It forced us to make a hard choice to rehome our exotics because we knew we could not afford to rebuild our home and feed the animals properly. It was a  peaceful decision because we found an education center that was more than willing to take in our wonderful collection of snakes. Now, we have dedicated ourselves not only to the animals but also to the human factor. It is a humble service to help people feel secure in the decision to rehome. And then to help them rehome properly. This allows the choice to be made sooner while the animal is often in a happier and healthier state.

We Need Your Support!
Crazy Critters Inc. is a nonprofit organization that serves a large community. Animals find their way to our facility from all over the state of Florida. Until recently, we funded this venture completely ourselves. Selling boats, cars, and trailers. All of the animals. Now we are asking for help.

As we enter the long days of spring, our human need for compassion often intensifies. At Crazy Critters Inc., our need for sponsors have become particularly acute due to the cold months we have had because our heating and feeding bills are three times as high and the pet adoption numbers rise. We hope that you can open your heart and your pocketbook on behalf of your company and/or your family.

Your donation is fully tax deductible. We believe that donations should benefit both parties. In this proposal, we have outlined the needs, described the facilities and services your donation will support and explained how your generosity will be recognized in our literature and community outreach programs. Thank you for consideration. Rest assured that your generous donation to Crazy Critters Inc. will be put to the best possible use.


Thank You For Your Time

Sincerely, Cherrice Purvee Fundraiser/P Crazy Critters Inc.

22921 County Road 44a, Eustis, Fl 32736

www.CrazyCrittersInc.com
www.facebook.com/CrazyCrittersInc


INTRODUCTION:
Kenneth Purvee is the fifth generation on his family farm. His great-grandparents raised egg-laying hens back in the 60’s until the 1990’s. They provided eggs to Publix and other local small businesses. He continues using his family farm to raise animals as happy and healthy as possible. Giving each animal a naturalistic enclosure and providing the proper diet. Cherrice Purvee came from a nursery family. Her Grandad is in the Foliage Hall Of Fame. Family tradition carries on because Crazy Critters Inc. sells crazy unusual plants to generate income for the growing animal rescue. This is the last stop for these wayward reptiles. The Purvees is their forever home. Because their children have agreed to become Stewards. And both Breanna and Kenneth III sit as board members to help support the continued growth.

Crazy Critters Inc. houses over 210 animals on the ten acres. As you might guess, it takes a lot of money to care for that many animals. We currently have no employees because we donate all our time and occasionally have a volunteer help us, we still have to pay our utility bills, our food bills, and pay for medicine and supplies for all the animals in our care. The need during the coldest months of winter is especially great. Sponsoring Crazy Critters Inc. will save the lives of innocent animals each year, and will give back to our community and environment.


Mission:
Educate the public on proper ways to house and care for exotic animals.

Provide a service for the person who is wanting to rehome their exotic animal. Making it easier for a person going through life-changing events. Those who love their pets but have no choice to find a home. We vow to keep the group connected.

End exotic pet abuse, neglect, and misunderstanding through our rescue; and promote conservation through responsible pet ownership.

Use any captive breeding to bolster an existing population or achieve a population size large enough to allow the species to be reintroduced into the wild. We want to keep any offspring in breeding programs both at our facility and other breeding programs around the country.


“The Facts Of Life”
There are literally thousands of groups supporting exotic animal ownership.
There are so many private owners that argue, exotic animals are no more dangerous than a domestic dog.
The majority of organizations acknowledge that there are those individuals that should not be allowed to keep exotic species because they either cannot properly care for them There is a value to each animal It is a known fact that a large percentage of people breed certain species to participate in the illegal black market trade in wildlife or wildlife parts.
We suggest that there are more isolated incidences if neglect. Many people JUST cannot give the needed husbandry for the exotic animal.  Furthermore, exotic animal owners love their pets and think of them as a member of the family.
Because of the lack of consistency in regulation, it is nearly impossible to determine how many exotic species are privately owned; estimates are as high as 20.3 million individuals.  Currently, there are over 13 million reptiles including snakes (venomous and non-venomous), crocodilians, and lizards housed in private residences.


Initiative:
We Are The Forever Homes... We strive to raise animals in large naturalistic enclosures. We ensure long-lived healthy lives by providing a well-balanced diet.

Betting On Vetting... We take our animals to the Stetson University area in Deland, Florida to a vet who employs college students learning in animal-related fields and often help them have their first experience with exotics.

Waste Not Want Not… We use the waste from the turtles to water the garden that provides fresh greens on a regular basis.

Save The World… We take in so many animals that may have become invasive species. And we are on call if someone sees an animal that does not belong here. We strive to do our part in helping the environment!

On Call All The Time… If someone has an exotic that they are wanting to rehome, too often it is already too late. The animal already has suffered even minimal neglect. We commit to going ourselves as soon as someone wants to give up ownership of any animal that we know we can house properly.


The List
Here is a list of the basic items we need on a regular basis. If you or someone you knows has them laying around please let us know! A penny saved is a penny earned!

Building supplies everything from 2x4 to roofing metal

Small buildings such as sheds

Pond Liners

Large drainage pipe

Fence post and boards

Plants for habitats

PVC pipe and supplies

Cement block

Wire panels


Here is a list of services we are in need of and projected expenses

Large pond dug $650.00
Two sheds we have currently on farm moved $400
Enclosed trailer $3,000
250 wood boards @ $5.00 each
I year of Mazuri Feed $650
1 year fruit and vegetable produce  $550
1 exotic animal trip to the vet $250
5 Pig mats for heat $250 each
Fuel for rescues 1 year $450
Insurance $425 year
Company Sign $725
Metal Sheets 32 @ $54 each

We sell crazy plants to fund the care of these crazy critters! We work hard to ensure the best life possible for everyone that calls us a forever home!

Contributions help us grow and maintain a healthy lifestyle for all the exotic animals at Crazy Critters Inc. Donations in the form of cash or items are appreciated and will be put to the best possible use.

Organizer

Cherrice Lane Purvee
Organizer
Eustis, FL

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