Gary Tisdale is currently the Treasurer for St. Francis CARE, joining our board in 2014. He jokingly says he knew it was time to join when his longtime friend and one of our founders, Diane Daughtery, told him to do so. 

It all started by volunteering to grill hamburgers and hot dogs for a fundraiser. Gary hasn’t looked back. As a lifelong lover of dogs, he wanted to do more to help animals in need in our community. 

Gary has been a big part of our community efforts, including our Christmas campaign and taking part in the Murphysboro St. Patrick’s Day Parade. In addition to sharing his time with St. Francis CARE, Gary has also opened up his home. He has cared for a couple of dogs that needed a place to stay before getting adopted.

“The owners couldn’t take care of them anymore, and they were going to put them down. We brought the dogs in until they got adopted,” said Gary.

He’s been retired for a few years and enjoys playing with his Jack Russell Terriers and watching TV.