Ross Cellino

Nominee's name
Ross Cellino

Nominee's story
Attorney Ross Cellino and his family have been a blessing to Niagara County SPCA since he first came to the shelter in 2019 with an amazing idea to help bring in more supporters and donors through "Sponsor A Cage," a program in which business owners team up with the shelter to promote adoptable animals on social media. Since the program was launched, $50,000 has been raised and hundreds of animals have been adopted!

During COVID-19 Ross donated "Buffalo Strong" T-shirts to share his appreciation and support for essential employees of the shelter. There were so many shirts donated that the SPCA was able to fundraise and gift some to those who supported the shelter during this difficult time.

Ross is always willing to attend SPCA events like the recent groundbreaking of a new surgical suite and prior to that he would attend any meetings that would bring in more sponsors to the program. He also had commercials made to help promote the program and its sponsors and has done several news interviews.

Ross's generosity doesn't stop at Niagara County SPCA. He also helps other animal welfare organizations across Western New York and beyond and that's why he should be named "Shelter Advocate of the Year."