Scarritt Foundation Supports Animal Welfare
By Tom Leyde
A young Tucson nonprofit foundation is making life easier for pets, pet owners and animal rescue and rehabilitation groups.
The Scarritt Foundation was founded by Adrienne Williams, who has a heart-felt passion for animals and the people who care for them.
“Our mission is to protect the love people share with their pets, because that love has the power to change lives,” said Williams. “Through access to critical veterinary care, community partnerships and strategic grantmaking, we are working to ensure that families never have to lose that source of comfort simply because they are facing financial hardship.”
Modeled after Angel Charity for Children, the Scarritt Foundation was incorporated in December 2024 and received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in June 2025. Its roots began long before that during Williams’ childhood in Sedona, Ariz., where the daughter of two artists discovered that pets are not only animals, but constant sources of companionship and love.
She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Northern Arizona University and spent seven years working in the hospitality industry. That experience, she said, gave her a passion for caring for people.
When her father developed Parkinson’s disease, her career took a dramatic turn. He enrolled in a clinical trial that gave him nearly 10 more years of quality life.
“I realized that while I was not a scientist or physician, I could use my business background and hospitality experience to support the people bringing new medicines and therapies to patients,” Williams said.
In 1999, she founded Scarritt Group with that purpose in mind. The company partners with pharmaceutical and biotechnology groups worldwide. It supports clinical trials through investigator meetings, patient concierge services, reimbursement programs and services that help researchers, doctors and patients navigate the clinical trial process.
“At its heart, both Scarritt Group and Scarritt Foundation were born from the same purpose: helping people through some of life’s most challenging moments,” Williams said.
Williams’s philanthropic inspiration comes from her great-great-great-grandfather, Nathan Scarritt, who left a legacy of public service. A founding father of Kansas City, he started a women’s college in the 1800s and was a big supporter of the women’s suffrage movement.
The first step Williams took to start Scarritt Foundation was to contact Dr. Julie Funk, dean of the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. Funk put Williams in touch with Dr. Mary Klein of the Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center.
A dinner was held with 40 independent Tucson area veterinarians from the Tucson Independent Veterinarians Association to explain the foundation’s goal to offer free animal care paid for by the Scarritt Foundation. The ball was set in motion.
The foundation also partners with the nonprofit Asavet Charities to provide a mobile veterinary service for homeless pet owners. Every month, the van’s PUP Outreach (Pets Uplifting People) visits areas in Tucson where the homeless gather. It provides pet food (more than 300 bags monthly), vaccines, leashes, spay and neuter surgeries and other veterinary services free of charge to the unhoused, low-income veterans and those receiving government assistance.
“It has been quite awe-inspiring to me to see this community come together,” Williams said. “I would call it a movement. People own it, they feel it.”
This year, Scarritt Foundation has distributed more than $400,000 to help homeless and non-homeless pet owners care for their animals and to assist animal rescue and rehabilitation groups with their missions. That money came from donations from individuals and businesses and from the foundation’s first large fundraiser, the Fur Ball, which was held last fall.
“For me,” Williams said, “the most important thing is to make this sustainable — to grow it … together. We can make a difference … one tail at a time.”
Pictured above – Adrienne Williams, Founder, Scarritt Foundation. Photo courtesy Scarritt Foundation
Fur Ball 2026
Culinary Extravaganza with a Purpose
By Tom Leyde
The Fur Ball, an annual fundraiser for the Scarritt Foundation, will be more than just a gala evening to benefit at-risk pets and the people who love them.
It will be a true culinary event.
Set for Oct. 23 at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, the event is partnering with the Tucson City of Gastronomy. Area chefs will prepare memorable dishes made with local ingredients.
The Scarritt Foundation, founded by Adrienne Williams, provides veterinary care and support for pets whose owners are facing challenging times. It also assists animal care organizations that rescue, rehabilitate and re-home animals.
Curating the menu for the unforgettable evening will be Janos Wilder, a James Beard award winner and Tucson City of Gastronomy board member. Also on the culinary team are Don Guerra of Barrio Bread (another James Beard award winner); Obadiah (“Obie”) Hindman of the Mountain Oyster Club; and Devin Pinto, executive chef at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa.
Robert Mondavi Jr. of Mondavi Winery will provide wine pairings along with wines than can be purchased. James Beard winner Charles Joly, world-class mixologist and media personality, will return to create signature cocktails.
The evening will also feature silent and live auctions with unique prizes such as two round-trip tickets to choice destinations on Delta Airlines; trips to Japan and Egypt; original artwork by Diana Madaras and more.
Individual tickets are $450 per person, with upgrades to the VIP reception level at additional cost. Full tables also can be reserved. All tickets include the dinner, wine pairings, cocktails and a post-event casino and dance party.
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