Fulfilling
a Commitment
Prior to Dr. Post’s formation of ACF in 1999, the
organization operated as a fund within the Orentreich Foundation
for the Advancement of Science, Inc. (OFAS). The fund, created
for those who wanted to make donations intended for research
that would help animals with cancer, was so successful that
it led directly to the formation of ACF. Since then and
going forward, ACF owes an on-going debt of gratitude to
Dr. Norman Orentreich, founder of OFAS, for his vision and
support in initiating the first step toward the realization
of ACF’s goals. The following are highlights from
subsequent phases of our onward journey
08.99
The Animal Cancer Foundation, The Ruth and Sam Newman Initiative,
is formally introduced. The organization is named in memory
of Dr. Post’s grandparents, “two people who
cherished life and whose love, compassion and understanding
of all things human and animal will always be remembered.”
09.99 ACF immediately begins on-going
collaborative endeavors with The Rogosin Institute, a nonprofit
medical treatment and research initiative at the New York
Weill (Cornell) Medical Center. Projects include the investigation
of 
innovative
therapies targeted at the suppression of cancer cell growth.
02.00 Launch of the ACF website
(www.animalcancer.org).
06.00 First ACF fundraiser held at the
Otto Kahn Mansion in New York. The event raises $15,000.
04.01 The second ACF spring fundraiser
at the Otto Khan Mansion raises $30,000.
07.01 Samantha Schmidt, a dedicated animal
lover with extensive experience in non-profit 
development,
is named Executive Director of ACF.
09.01
Along with other New York City veterinarians,
Dr. Post helps care for pets affected by the 9/11 tragedy.
11.01 First ACF Newsletter is published.
02.02 ACF begins collaboration
with SUGEN* in advanced biotech research initiatives designed
to benefit both pets
and people.
04.02
In Boston, ACF participates in American Cancer Society’s
Second Annual Dogwalk Against Cancer. Combined with the
previous year, the New England Division of the American
Cancer Society donated $11,000 to ACF.
05.02 ACF’s third annual
silent auction fundraiser is held at Manhattan’s elegant
Barbetta restaurant. It produces a new record in attendance
and amount raised ($50,000).
07.02
In the popular national publication Animal Fair, Dr. Post
authors a feature on the warning signs of cancer in animals.
11.02 A study on the high incidence
of bone cancer in Rottweilers is published in a prominent
medical journal, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.
The study is the result of a collaboration between Purdue
University and the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation, and
includes the participation of ACF.
12.02 Dazzling Christmas decorations at
the home of Christine and Howie Frisch in Baldwin Harbor,
New York raises a total of $5,000 for ACF.
03.03
ACF publishes its first Annual Report.
04.03 ACF’s fourth annual fundraiser
revisits the Barbetta Restaurant and raises $66,000. The
event honors author and artist Stephen Huneck who, in recognition
of his generous donation of time, talent and art, is presented
with a Steuben handcooler sculpture of a dog and cat.
11.03 ACF launches its first Annual
Appeal which is the initial phase of a year-long plan to
raise $200,000 in support of the foundation's strategic
alliances.
12.03
Christine and Howie Frisch present their fund-raising Christmas
decorations for a second year. Sadly, it is the last Holiday
Season their beloved Golden Retriever, Clyde, will see. He
was the inspiration for their greatly appreciated generosity
to ACF, and we remember him not only here but in our hearts.
01.04 A strategic planning retreat, for the ACF
Board and executive staff , produces a revitalized mission,
long-range vision and a new programmatic philosophy centered
on research alliances and educational initiatives.
11.06 New Executive Director, Charlotte Lee hired.
12.06
"Cancer Clues from Pet Dogs," feature article
in Scientific American focuses on how resarch in to cancer
in dogs is expanding our knowledge of cancer in humans.
01.07 Dr. Post featured on "Good Day New York,"
focusing on the early warning signs, prevention and treatment
of cancer.
02.07 Fundraiser in conjunction with Westminster
Dog Show. The Second Annual "Red Carpet" Pre-Westminster
Fashion Show raises funds for ACF through live and silent
auction.
03.07 ACF featured on "Today Show." Focus
is on the story of Jack, journalist Jill Rappaport's dog
who is a cancer survivor.
04.07 New Board member Kim Williams joins.
05.07 Dr. Gerry Post, Founder and President of ACF in Whole Dog Journal
magazine.
09.07 Second annual Smokey’s Day to raise
awareness of cancer in pets and people.
11.07 Dr. David Levine joins the ACF Board.
11.07 The ACF was delighted to join more than 500
attendees at the Veterinary Cancer Society Annual Conference.
12.07 A special day at LAZARO Jewelry to benefit ACF.
