Our Mission is to reduce and care for the homeless cat population in the Wintergreen community and help the animals in need that cross our paths. Organized in memory of Petey, cherished cat of Ellen English Background: In 2009, Ellen noticed the growing homeless cat population on the mountain and took immediate action. She launched a humane initiative to trap, spay, and neuter 45 cats and kittens that year—a challenging task in the rugged Wintergreen area. Thanks to her continued efforts, the homeless cat population has dramatically decreased from over 40 to just five to six annually, improving the lives of the cats and benefiting the entire community. However, new cats still appear due to abandonment, and without ongoing intervention, the population could quickly rise again. For 15 years, Ellen has shouldered the financial burden of this initiative almost entirely on her own. Recognizing the growing costs, she and her Wintergreen friends launched the Furry Friends Fund in July 2024 to secure financial support and ensure the sustainable management of Wintergreen’s feral cat population.