News Release
Bank Account For Greyhounds Wiped Clean - Long Time
Volunteer Arrested For Theft
PORTLAND, Oregon, September 25, 2008
Greyhound Pets of America Northwest announced today that the
organizations former treasurer was arrested on September 23rd on two
felony counts of aggravated theft. Kristie Van Nuland had been a
volunteer for GPA Northwest for a number of years, and served as
Treasurer from January 2008 until her resignation in May 2008.
An unscheduled review of its financial records for 2008 revealed
over $20,000 in missing funds. The irregularities were reported to
banking authorities and the evidence turned over to Portland Police
for a criminal investigation. An initial review of financial records
revealed financial reports prepared by Kristie Van Nuland had been
falsified resulting in a hidden misappropriation of thousands of
dollars.
"New checks and balances have been added to our process so that this
cannot happen again," said Janice Jones, GPA Northwest President
"It's a shame that our Greyhound adoption program has been put in
jeopardy. GPA Northwest will pursue all feasible options to
recover the stolen funds."
GPA Northwest is a non-profit organization run completely by
volunteers with all funds used to support the adoption program for
ex-racing Greyhounds. Funds for the adoption program come from
donations and fund raising events. These hard-earned monies
are used for the medical expenses, food, and program supplies for
the Greyhounds who have completed their racing careers and are
looking for an adoptive home. "This is a blow to every
hard-working volunteer who has dedicated themselves to the mission
of GPA Northwest. Yet, we know that our devoted volunteers
will rally to overcome the adversity caused by what appears to be
the selfishness on the part of one person", continued Janice Jones.
Now, more than ever, GPA Northwest needs the support of the
community while it endeavors to recoup the funds not only to pay
outstanding debts, but also to move forward with its adoption
program.
About Greyhound Pets of America - Northwest
GPA Northwest is a non-profit corporation and a 501c3 tax-exempt
organization. It is a chapter of Greyhound Pets of America, a
national network of Greyhound adoption groups. The mission of GPA
Northwest is to find responsible loving homes for Greyhounds, which
fail to qualify or no longer qualify for the racetrack. GPA
acquaints the public with the desirability of Greyhounds as pets and
informs them of the availability of these dogs for adoption.
Whenever the opportunity arises, GPA Northwest works to place dogs
that began their lives in Oregon. GPA Northwest is staffed entirely
by unpaid volunteers; all donations and other revenues are dedicated
entirely to supporting its Greyhound adoption program. Learn more by
visiting http://www.gpa-nw.org
SOURCE: Greyhound Pets of America - Northwest
September 25, 2008
CONTACT: Robert Vinnacombe, 503-784-1285