Making a Lasting Difference for Animals

Animals were an important part of Bob and Adele Boydston's life during all their years in Silicon Valley. So it wasn't surprising that the couple wanted to stay involved with the organization where they had adopted several of their kitties. They gave generously through their family foundation every year. And they made a point to visit us every year to see first-hand how we were stewarding those funds.

As Bob and Adele got older, we at HSSV especially cherished those visits. We made sure that Adele always had a friendly, unflappable cat to pet while we were visiting. And, of course, there were pastries and coffee on hand for Bob. The Boydstons were family and they cared deeply that the organization they were investing in was growing, changing and making progress in addressing the challenges facing homeless animals in their community.

We saw the Boydstons one final time in February of 2014. Bob proudly handed Carol Novello a $10,000 gift and got caught up on business. That was the last time we saw them. Bob passed in June of that year, and Adele quickly followed him four months later.

Fortunately, their legacy and work lives on at HSSV. Bob and Adele made a point to share with their son, now the president of their charitable foundation, all that they had accomplished at HSSV during their lifetime. Because of that, the Robert E. and Adele M. Boydston Charitable Foundation continues to support the work at HSSV.

It's a testament not only to Bob and Adele's generosity, but also a fitting way to honor their heartfelt desire to make a lasting difference for animals in Silicon Valley and beyond.

You can join in their efforts. To learn more about making a gift through your estate to the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, please contact Bridget Keenan at 408.942.3006 or bridget.keenan@hssv.org.