Walter George, one of KC’s top executives, volunteers with one of the world’s most important players in animal health research.
George serves as a trustee with the Morris Animal Foundation, which has awarded more than $92 million in research grants since 1948.
“The foundation is dedicated to funding scientific research for good medicine for animals,” said George, the former president of the American-Italian Pasta Co.
The foundation was created by Dr. Mark Morris Sr., who developed what became Hill’s Pet Nutrition Prescription Diet. Morris devoted a portion of his profits to endow the foundation.
George served in several executive roles at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. A few years ago, he was approached by the Morris family to volunteer—first with the foundation’s investment committee, then as a trustee.
Without the foundation’s support, many worthwhile research projects might never take place.
One of the foundation’s major efforts is the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, a $20 million longitudinal survey of more than 3,000 dogs. The breed tends to develop cancer at higher rates. The study’s database could offer valuable data to researchers searching for a cure.
“The foundation engages the best veterinary minds in the world,” George said.
