It’s been said there is nothing truer in this world than the love of a good dog. This sentiment rings especially true for Gina Austin-Lewis, PhD, FACHE, whose constant companion, Mi’Che, inspired her to create a charitable fund through the African-American Community Fund of The Dayton Foundation.
“I watched my mother and sister and how their love for their dogs increased their quality of life, particularly through hard times. The bond they shared was unparalleled,” Gina said. “It wasn’t until I adopted Mi’Che 16 years ago that I finally understood how strong their connection was. This inspired me to help others feel the same.”
Dr. Gina Austin-Lewis’s dog, Mi’Che, was the inspiration behind The Mi’Che Movement, a charitable fund that enhances the lives of women and dogs.
Gina established her fund in 2018 when The Dayton Foundation offered a 50 percent match for contributions to AACF funds. The Mi’Che Movement is a Donor-Advised Fund that supports charitable organizations in bringing together abandoned, abused or neglected dogs with women to enhance the quality of life for both. To date, thousands of dollars have been granted through her fund, including significant grants to WagsInn, which provides lodging for dogs and safe care for rescues.
“Through The Mi’Che Movement, Gina has granted funds so we could provide emergency vet care, behavior modification, and spays and neuters for our new rescues. Her donations also helped to build a privacy fence for a woman’s dog, who otherwise would have had to be rehomed during a critical time in the owner’s life,” said Lori Wolcott, founder and owner of WagsInn.
When WagsInn recently hosted a fundraiser to build “furever” homes for dogs that have medical or behaviorial issues and have trouble finding adoptive families, Gina donated $3,500 through her fund to create a new room that will provide all the comforts of home for these dogs.
“Because of people like Gina, we are able to carry on with our mission to give rescues a chance at loving, forever homes,” Lori said.
WagsInn Lodging & Canine Charities Rescue has provided boarding for dogs and care for rescues for more than 26 years, saving thousands of dogs without homes since its inception.
Coincidentally, the new WagsInn building is named “Clarebelle’s House,” which resonated with Gina because her grandmother’s name was Clarabelle. As a child, she and her sister volunteered at the Veterans Administration Center, where their grandmother was the choir director. Gina felt it was a fitting way to honor the woman who taught her the value of giving back.
“My grandmother unquestionably inspired me to give back to the community,” Gina said. “I believe giving is a part of someone’s social responsibility. It’s a way to fulfill our duty to contribute positively to the well-being of others, offering opportunities for personal growth and development, allowing us to learn new skills, gain perspective and broaden our understanding of different social issues.”
“Because of people like Gina [Austin-Lewis], we are able to carry on with our mission to give rescues a chance at loving, forever homes.”
– Lori Wolcott, founder and owner, WagsInn
Before retirement, Gina made a career out of helping others by serving 35 years in healthcare and health systems administration. Starting as a phlebotomist in 1971, Gina put herself through school, eventually earning her PhD and becoming a top hospital administrator. Throughout her career she volunteered on several nonprofit boards, including the Victoria Theatre Association (now Dayton Live) and YWCA Dayton. She received many accolades for her professional and community work, including being named as one of Dayton Daily News’ Ten Top Women in 1991. She also served on the Ohio Commission for Minority Health for more than 17 years, focusing her work on healthcare legislative affairs.
For Gina, everything she does revolves around serving others any way she can, just as her mother, sister and grandmother did during their lifetimes.
“I would like our family to be remembered as a collective of individuals dedicated to serving others, whether through volunteering in our community, supporting charitable causes or offering a helping hand to those in need,” Gina said. “It’s important others recognize our service as genuine and heartfelt, reflecting our deep-rooted faith and belief as children of God, who strive to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us. This makes me feel complete and fulfilled in a way nothing else does.”