PLEASANTON, California—August 9, 2021— Valley Humane Society is pleased to announce the opening of a community veterinary surgery center in early 2022. Based in Pleasanton, the Phil Scholz Veterinary Surgery Center will ensure local pets receive needed non-emergency services regardless of their family’s financial constraints.
“Our pets are part of the family, and addressing the lack of affordable, accessible veterinary care within the community is a key factor in creating healthy families,” says Executive Director Melanie Sadek. The surgery center is expected to reduce the number of cats and dogs surrendered to shelters or suffering untreated conditions due simply to the cost of treatment.
Employees at Silicon Valley technology company NVIDIA, along with family, friends, and those who knew Phil Scholz, raised $634,000 for the facility. Scholz was an NVIDIA employee who lost his life in January 2014 while rescuing another man from the Santa Clara rail tracks during his commute home. Beloved by his colleagues, Scholz was a Pleasanton resident and pet lover whose wife, Emily, volunteered at Valley Humane Society. With four rescued pets of their own, the couple deeply supported the organization’s mission to create a brighter future for cats and dogs by supporting and strengthening their shared bond with people.
Scholz’s selflessness and compassion remain his legacy with those who knew him. NVIDIA employees were challenged to a fundraising goal of $500,000, which was greatly exceeded thanks to matching grants of eligible gifts from the company’s giving foundation, significant participation from executive staff, and a generous match of employee donations from founder Jensen Huang and his wife, Lori.
Emily Scholz, who joined Valley Humane Society as Adoption and Foster Manager in November 2014, notes that it is a fitting tribute to a man who was known for helping the underdog. “It’s heartwarming to have so many people care for and contribute to Phil’s legacy and, together, make such a meaningful impact to a cause that meant so much to him,” she said.
Valley Humane Society’s Phil Scholz Veterinary Surgery Center will offer one-time procedures, leaving wellness visits, routine veterinary care, and emergency services to other providers. The organization still has to raise an additional $500,000 to satisfy the project budget. For more information or to donate in support of the surgery center, visit valleyhumane.org/programs/surgery-center.