By Kitty Brokaw
Marty Wollner was a remarkable man who cared deeply about animals, especially cats. His story highlights the importance of building deep relationships with donors and how it translates into lasting animal impact through leaving their legacy.
In November 2023, Marty contacted Michigan Humane and made a transformational gift of $100,000 through his IRA. Prior to that, his largest gift was $50. I immediately called Marty to thank him and asked what led him to give us this generous gift. Marty said, “I absolutely love the work Michigan Humane does every day to save animals, so I want to leave all my money to you”. He became a member of the Legacy Society immediately. Marty was also struggling with severe health issues, and within the next two months, he survived a very close death scare. In January 2025, he called me and said “Kitty, I am convinced that God let me survive so that I could give my remaining $100,000 in my IRA to Michigan Humane”. I was incredibly moved by his generosity.
For 8 months, Marty and I spent a lot of time together. He lived in Livonia with his 4 cats, and they were his children. Marty shared numerous pictures, stories and You Tube Videos of their birth with me. By May 2025, as Marty felt his health rapidly declining, he was increasingly concerned about finding his cats a good home. I told Marty that we will put his four cats in Michigan Humane’s Pet Guardianship Program to protect them. This program is a benefit to members of the Legacy Society who do not have someone to take his/her pet upon his/her death. Members can rely on Michigan Humane to provide transitional care and find a loving home for his/her pet. I worked with Marty for the next 2 months to get the forms completed and to find a new owner for his cats. Thankfully, we found one family who would take all four cats upon his death.
On June 28th, five days after finding a forever home for his cats, Marty died. His caretaker called me to say, “Marty passed away peacefully and said he will never forget you, knowing that his cats and Michigan Humane are taken care of”. I will always remember Marty’s passion for his cats, our animals and his friendship as one of the most meaningful times of my life.
To make a will that provides peace of mind and makes you eligible to enroll your pets in our Pet Guardianship program, click here.