Jonny & Xena's Spread the Words Foundation, Inc., Announces Grants to Autism Programs and Animal Rescue in Metro Atlanta Area

More than $20,000 in money and supplies awarded

.Johns Creek, GA (January 13, 2016) – The Jonny & Xena's Spread the Words Foundation, Inc. is excited to announce it has raised more than $20,000 in cash and supplies from the inaugural GEICO “Jonny and Xena Spread the Words” 5K/Fun Run which was held at Suwanee Town Center, Suwanee, GA and “I’m Not a Monster” shelter drive benefiting autism programs and animal rescue in the Atlanta Metro Area. The race had over 500 participants including groups of virtual runners representing all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and many countries of the world including Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Korea, Spain, Hong Kong, Mexico, Japan, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. A participant came in from Mexico to support the cause and was given an award for furthest traveling physical runner.

The “I’m Not a Monster” program is a nationwide shelter drive benefiting homeless pets waiting in shelters and temporary boarding facilities, while promoting shelter pet adoption. The Foundation created an Amazon wish list designed specifically for the needs of the animal welfare organizations, sharing it through social media and providing a donation drop off site at Furever Fit Pets in Johns Creek, Ga. Hundreds of packages arrived providing needed supplies including food, toys, beds, treats, leashes, collars and equipment to help shelter employees care for the animals.  

The Foundation gives back to the community that has supported their efforts, and embraced the story of Jonny and Xena. The story is heart rendering and involves a young boy with a profound form of autism, that led him to lead an extremely quiet life with little outside interaction. Jonny’s parents, ardent animal lovers, adopted a severely battered and abused dog, who as she was being nursed to health, opened a door for Jonny that they thought would never allow the light of day to shine through. Today Xena is using her fame and her love of Jonny to “spread the words” and to help support animals in need and to shine a light on autism .

According to Linda Hickey, president of the Foundation, “After we adopted Xena, our world changed. This Warrior Puppy who was found clinging to life, beat every single odd against her. She was not only destined to survive and help transform the life of one boy with autism, but I believe she was meant to continue her miracles through service within her community, all while capturing the hearts of thousands from all around the world.  Jonny and Xena are truly a match made in heaven and through this blessing, my heart tells me I have to give back and make a difference.”

The award recipients embody the Foundation’s mission of awareness and support and will be used to enhance the autism and special needs classrooms at Roberts Elementary School, Lambert High School, Medlock Bridge Elementary School, and Centennial High School, and the animal rescue efforts of the Georgia SPCA,  Friends of Dekalb Animals, and Planned Pethood. The Foundation’s 'I'm not a Monster' shelter drive raised  over $3000 in much needed supplies which were delivered to these animal welfare organizations.

About the Jonny and Xena’s Spread the Words Foundation, Inc.

The Jonny and Xena’s Spread the Words Foundation is a 501 (c)3 non-profit benefiting animal rescue and autism awareness. The Foundation is involved with Junior Civitan Clubs, Protecting Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) chapters, and “Homeless Pet” clubs in schools, learning about Xena and Jonny’s story, autism, and the importance of pet rescue. The President of the Foundation, Linda Hickey, and Xena meet with civic organizations within the community and have partnered with Kid’s Creek Therapy in Suwanee, Georgia to further educate, spread autism awareness, and lend support to local families. The Foundation developed and has taken the Jonny and Xena's "Spread the Words" program into schools to educate children on the humane treatment of animals and teach them how to "Become the Pawsibility" for autism awareness. Xena also visits local schools and offers love and support to the special needs students. In addition, they work with local jails and youth correctional facilities to send a message of second chances and give support to the jail dog programs and the inmate handlers.

For more information about the Jonny and Xena’s Spread the Words Foundation, visit the Facebook page at Facebook.com/xenaandjonny or call 770-851-0642. For information on Xena the Warrior Puppy visit - You Tube (http://youtu.be/OYx7VcFV6GA).