Adrienne Maloof, co-owner of the Sacramento Kings, was disappointed when her team didn’t make it to the NBA Finals.
But for the dog-loving Maloof, an early end to the basketball season meant she got to spend more time on her other passion: helping dogs.
“I’ve been an animal lover all my life, but I got serious about it in 2002,” says Maloof, in an interview with the Associated Press.
That year, Maloof founded Camp Kindness, a Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals humane education program that teaches kids the importance of kindness, responsibility, and respect for animals. The program serves about 200 children a year.
Camp Kindness’s success led Maloof to launch Animal Adventure Camp in 2005, a humane education after-school program for kids.
Maloof is also a major benefactor of the Sacramento SPCA, as well as a high-profile cheerleader for cat and dog adoption in general.
“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” Maloof says. “I’ve had so many friends that I’ve directed toward animal adoption, and they’re so happy afterward. They tell me it’s the best thing they’ve ever done, too.”