Awareness of a declining financial situation at the Stevens-Swan Humane Society (SSHS) brought Utica-born animal advocate and long-time SSHS financial supporter, Anita Vitullo, to donate $2 million to a newly established SSHS Fund at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. 

The goal of Anita’s $2 million funding is to kickstart an ongoing effort to raise additional funds to meet the continuous needs of the organization. 

In recognition of this transformative gift, the SSHS Board of Directors approved a resolution in February 2021 to rename the organization “Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society.” 

Anita’s $2 million gift and the community donations that will follow will provide short-term help and also support the growing annual need for food, shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation.  

Anita’s gift is a start toward supporting our financial needs. The cost of caring for at-risk animals in Oneida County increases every year. It never ends. There will always be lost, abandoned, and abused animals in our community that need our care.