Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kris Kelly. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kris, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
The Kris Kelly Foundation was founded by Kris Kelly in 2006 after many years of dreaming of her own Non-Profit to save animals from abuse, slaughter, and neglect. The organization is a 501c3 non-profit vegan animal rescue organization that rescues animals out of local shelters and finds them forever loving homes.
When Kris Kelly was in 4th grade, she read a book about an old lady and an old horse. They were friends and spent a lot of time together. Kris remembers her teacher asking her over and over “Why do you think they are such good friends”….Kris was trying to come up with the words and her teacher kept saying “Keep talking…keep talking”. Kris finally said “Because they are BOTH lonely and need each other”. The teacher gave an A on her oral book report.
That scene has run through Kris’s mind over the years. She didn’t know what would come of this memory that she couldn’t shake. As she grew older she developed a yearning to bring people and animals together so they could heal each other.
We at The Kris Kelly Foundation embrace “Humanity” and we give dignity and a voice to the animals that need someone to do it for them.
About Kris
Kris Kelly grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut. After graduating Greenwich High School, she moved to NYC to study acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She then moved to Los Angeles and worked as an actress in film, TV, and Theatre. She became Director of Animal Welfare in 2005 and started her own 501c3 non-profit animal rescue organization in 2006.
Kris has loved animals since she was very young. It was when she started volunteering with the Lange Foundation in Beverly Hills, CA that she realized how many abused and neglected animals there were who needed homes. She vowed to donate her life to helping these furry friends with no voice.
Kris wrote her memoir titled Fame to Fur about her experiences of the lights of Hollywood to the heights of giving back. It is on sale on Amazon.
“I rescue animals but really they rescued me.” – Kris Kelly
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I came to Los Angeles from NYC after studying acting and performing in off off Broadway plays. I began working in television and film. During this time, I was guided to help animals. I started volunteering at the Lange Foundation in Beverly Hills, CA and Last Chance for Animals in West Hollywood, CA. I started to see how many animals were being abused by humans and that’s how the passion started. In 2006 I started my own 501c3 animal rescue organization and the journey began. In my memoir I wrote a tag line on the cover. “My Journey from the lights of Hollywood to the heights of giving back”. I love the craft of acting and it gives a lot to my soul but I knew that I needed to give back to humanity also…the world was not all about me. I give a voice to the animals who have absolutely no voice or rights in the USA and even less around the world. My organization also helps animals outside of the USA. It takes a village and more people need to get involved. I appreciate everyone who is helping me spread the word about the animal’s plight! No matter how hard it gets we must never give up!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I first got involved in animal rescue, I thought everyone was in it for the animals. I started to work with our local animal shelters to help the animals and stop unnecessary euthanasia. One of the most important issues we have in California and other states is that very few animals are spayed and neutered. I figured the shelters would want to work on this issue and come up with a resolution quickly. To my surprise they were in no rush to end euthanasia. Even now there are no plans to stop it. Also, they only use one shot to euthanize animals at the shelter which in my opinion is inhumane. Year after year I was given the cold shoulder about these 2 issues. I have continued to forge ahead and keep myself in front of the people in authority even though I keep hearing a bunch of nos. I have to keep the faith and pray that one day my voice will be heard for the voiceless. One person can move mountains if they keep their focus on the small light at the end of the tunnel.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My reputation was built by being a straight shooter and always honoring my word. I feel that it is very important to be upfront and stand firm in your beliefs. I am tough but fair when dealing with people regarding making change for the animals. Being consistent and true to your word is a formula that has always worked for me. The shelters will try to strong arm rescues when they try to speak up about wrongdoings at their facilities. You worry if your pull rights will be taken away. This has happened to me in the past but I stood firm and didn’t back down. I will never back down if I know what I am doing is helping animals and people know that by my actions not just by my words!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thekriskellyfoundation.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kriskellyfoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kriskellyfoundation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kriskelly/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kriskellyrescue
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kriskellyfoundation
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-kris-kelly-foundation-beverly-hills
- Other: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-kris-kelly-foundation-beverly-hills