Dr. J. Clyde Johnson, The Foundation for The Horse’s longest-tenured donor, will launch an annual giving “Loyalty Society.”
The Foundation for The Horse is launching a new annual giving program for former and current members of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and others to support its crucial mission to improve the welfare of the horse.
Honoring The Foundation’s longest-tenured donor, who has financially supported the organization for 27 of The Foundation’s 30 years, the Dr. J. Clyde Johnson Loyalty Society pays tribute to its namesake for his remarkably enduring and consistent financial support.
“For membership into this Loyalty Society the amount of the gift is not as important as the annual commitment,” says Dr. Johnson. “It’s important to get into the habit of regularly supporting what you care about.”
The Loyalty Society program is designed to encourage consistent support through annual giving, and members promise to make a gift of any amount supporting The Foundation every year. “We have to educate people in veterinary medicine about horses, and we have to educate them on the importance of giving to an organization with such an important and necessary mission,” says Johnson. “It’s not always easy convincing people to give, but when they know their contribution supports the crucial work of The Foundation, they show they care. This Loyalty Society provides a framework for donors to commit to sustained support.” Loyalty Society members will be recognized at The Foundation’s booth during AAEP conventions and in publications.
Johnson plans to attend the 70th AAEP Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, in December to officially launch the Loyalty Society. Annual donors will be recognized at The Foundation’s booth during AAEP conventions and in publications.
A dedicated AAEP member, Johnson served on the AAEP board of directors, as AAEP treasurer for five years, and as president in 1995. In these leadership roles, he worked diligently to promote and support The Foundation’s mission to provide veterinary scholarships and education, equine medical research, and urgent care for horses and working equids in need.
Johnson graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1962 before beginning private practice at the Vermont-New Hampshire Veterinary Clinic where he was a partner for more than 30 years.
Johnson also served as the AAEP’s liaison to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Legislative Advisory Committee and Communications Council. He is also a past president of the Vermont State Veterinary Board, the Vermont Veterinary Medical Association, and the New England Veterinary Medical Association.
