When Cindy Pond, a retired veterinarian, passed away in March of 2020, she left significant planned gifts to both the Anne Arundel County SPCA (AACSPCA) and the Anne Arundel County Food Bank (AACFB). Cindy loved animals and she was deeply concerned about the local population of Anne Arundel County residents who suffered from food insecurity. She was a committed volunteer and believed deeply in the mission of both organizations.

“Cindy would tell you, ‘If you have a cause that you care about – you don’t know when you’re going to die – so get it taken care of ahead of time.’ There’s a real benefit to that. That way, you know the causes you care about are going to be provided for,” said Christine Pokorny, Cindy Pond’s sister.

Cindy wanted to make a direct impact in the community by making sure that all county residents had access to healthy food. That’s why every week Cindy volunteered at the Food Bank along with her sister. “Through her work at the Food Bank, Cindy felt like she was doing something valuable and worthwhile, and it was something special she could do alongside her sister,” said Susan Thomas, Executive Director of AACFB. “Her great attention to detail made her the perfect volunteer.”

The Food Bank had always struggled to find workspace for its volunteers because most of the building was dedicated to storing food. However, there was one possibility – an area that had remnants of the old Crownsville Hospital cafeteria but removing the old equipment made it too expensive to build new offices.

Because of Cindy’s planned gift, the Anne Arundel County Food Bank was able to construct the new offices. The organization now has a place to welcome its volunteers and give them a comfortable space to do their work. The plaque outside the door of the new office pays tribute to the devoted volunteer and donor: “This office is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Anne Arundel County Food Bank Volunteer, Cindy Pond. A Giving Heart, a Gentle Soul, a Sunny Smile, Forever Our Friend.”

“We hope that all of the volunteers who enter the office will feel Cindy's warmth and experience some of the joy she brought to the Food Bank’s staff and volunteers when we saw her coming in the door with that infectious welcoming smile,” said AACFB Operations Director Marta Jones. “We love our volunteers, and we loved Cindy, dearly; we are so proud to have this space to keep her legacy alive.”

The AACSPCA was equally grateful for Cindy’s gift to provide support for lifesaving programs and the shelter’s ability to reach more animals in dire need, said Kelly Brown, President, AACSPCA Board of Directors.

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Nominated by the Anne Arundel County Food Bank.