Tyler Bass, kicker for the Buffalo Bills, loves cats. In 2022 he collaborated with an organization called Show Us Your Softer Side for a photo shoot to help promote cat adoption. He had no idea how one little picture with one little kitty would change the lives of so many cats over a year later.
As an avid football fan, I felt for the Buffalo Bills fans who watched their season come to an end with a missed field goal. I didn't know their kicker, Tyler Bass. I didn't know he loved cats.
I, like much of the world, woke up the next day to an Instagram Post gone viral supporting Tyler. It was that little picture with that little kitty and a message of support from the organization he'd supported all those months ago.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Kimberly LaRussa from the Ten Lives Club about the their Instagram post and the impact that is continuing to be felt as donations come in from cat lovers around the world.
Kimberly expressed hope that Tyler Bass feels the love and support from the community and recognizes the positive impact his actions have had on the Ten Lives Club.
A seemingly small gesture on his part has had a tremendous effect, highlighting how acts of kindness can ripple out and create waves of positivity.
Celebrating its 24th anniversary, the Ten Lives Club has saved an impressive 3,000 cats a year. It started in the garage of founder Marie Edwards and has grown into one of the largest cat rescues in New York State.
That now famous photo of Tyler Bass was taken for the "Show Your Soft Side" campaign to combat animal cruelty. Bass, a cat dad himself, took the photo with a rescue kitten named Harley in the care of the Ten Lives Club.
While he initially received criticism for missing the kick that ended the Buffalo Bills playoff run, the community has rallied around Tyler Bass by donating to the Ten Lives Club.
Significant contributions have been made, including a $30,000 match from Rachael Ray's Nutrish and a $5,000 donation from Tito's Handmade Vodka.
The influx of donations is transformative for the Ten Lives Club, which typically relies on smaller community contributions. This support will significantly aid in their mission to rescue and care for cats.
At the time of our interview, the Ten Lives Club had received over $330,000 in donations, a number that continues to rise.
You can join in supporting the Ten Lives Club and, by extension, Tyler Bass, by donating to the organization. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in the lives of countless cats.
To support the Ten Lives Club, visit their website, tenlivesclub.com, or follow them on social media for the latest updates and ways to donate. Let's keep the momentum going and turn a
tough moment for Tyler into a lasting victory for cats in need.
To watch my entire interview and learn more about this amazing story, click here: