Arizona Humane Society (AHS) received a donation of $135,000 from family and friends of Mary J. Leader to support three much-needed upgrades to its Sunnyslope facility. The first phase of the project, remodeling of the Mary J. Leader Get-Acquainted Area for dogs and their adoptive families, was completed in early April and dedicated on May 25. The project also will include major upgrades to the dog exercise yards and dog kennels, scheduled for completion in early 2011 and early 2014, respectively.

    “Mary was a strong advocate for companion animals in the Valley,” said Mary’s brother, Pat Leader, of Tampa, Fla. “Our family and Mary’s friends made this gift to honor Mary’s memory, her love and compassion for animals, and her long-time support of AHS.”

    Mary Leader passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2004, at the age of 54. She was a dedicated community volunteer, serving on the boards of numerous Valley nonprofit organizations. She was also a past president of the Junior League of Phoenix and the Arizona Women’s Forum.