Beverly and Ted Paul have been animal activists and supporters of The HSUS and The Fund for Animals for more than 40 years. They own and operate Beautiful America Publishing Company in Woodburn, Oregon, which publishes wall calendars, specialty books, and other promotional products. When the Pauls chose to bequeath their entire estate to The HSUS, Because You Care News sat down to talk with Beverly about how she and Ted decided to turn their life's work into a lasting legacy.
The HSUS: Which animal issues are most important to you and why?
Beverly: All animal issues—whether large or small—are important. We must never lose sight of that fact. However, one of the issues that bothers me the most—and has over the years—is rodeos. Done under the guise of entertainment, they are inordinately cruel. The message they send to youngsters is that it's alright to abuse animals for your own amusement. This form of so-called entertainment should have gone out with the Roman Coliseum. The two issues that push Ted's hot button are canned hunts and animal fighting. As far as he's concerned, they demonstrate the very worst in human behavior.
The HSUS: How did you decide to make animal issues a central part of your charitable giving?
Beverly: The decision came early, easily, and honestly. What better way to help God's creatures than through charitable giving to a group such as The HSUS? With your organization, the largest percentage of our charitable dollar goes directly to improve the welfare of all animals. It's done with no thought or concern about misuse or self-indulgence. You can even remain anonymous. The results year after year continue to grow, and the sole beneficiaries are the animals.
The HSUS: What are some of your favorite HSUS programs or activities?
Beverly: Having worked closely with The HSUS for years, we have seen many advancements that please us. However, the most significant phase has been The HSUS's recent push to become more proactive in carrying the battle directly to our federal legislature. Your intensified lobbying efforts put The HSUS on the cutting edge of humane advocacy. We are now winning many battles and will continue to win more and more in the future. Your organization has now become so focused that its collective thrust provides an incredible benefit for animals.
The HSUS: Why did you decide to leave a portion of your estate to The HSUS?
Beverly: We didn’t decide to leave a portion—we left it all. What more could we ask than to depart this life knowing that whatever we accomplished—whether large or small—will go directly, and in total, to enhance the well-being of our animal friends? We encourage everyone whose main goal is animal welfare to do the same.
