$2.7 million gift to foundation will aid animal welfare efforts in Manatee

BRADENTON -- The Manatee Community Foundation has received its largest bequest ever -- $2.7 million -- from the estate of Maryann Vinal , MCF announced Tuesday.

Vinall and her husband Bill retired to Bradenton in 2000, and in 2001 created the Bill and Maryann Vinall Fund to support animal welfare programs, as well as wildlife rescue and “therapy” programs such as service dogs, horseback riding therapy programs, and therapy programs featuring pets visiting nursing homes and senior residences.

“This gift is the largest bequest to date received at the Manatee Community Foundation,” said Stu Gregory, board president, in a news release.

“The Vinall Fund will greatly expand the granting that MCF will be able to do in this field of interest and will also help the community as Manatee County pursues its 'no-kill' agenda in the shelters,” MCF Executive Director Marilyn Howard said in the release.

For more information about the Manatee Community Foundation call Howard at 941-747-7765 or visit www.manateecf.org.

This story was originally published May 7, 2013 at 2:26 PM with the headline "$2.7 million gift to foundation will aid animal welfare efforts in Manatee."