Celebrate “Judy Day” in Illinois By Donating Pet Food to Your Favorite Animal Shelter or Pet Rescue
By Judy Baar Topinka Charitable Foundation
January 16, 2026 marks what would have been the 82nd birthday of the late Judy Baar Topinka, a trailblazing Illinois public servant and community volunteer, who crossed party lines, believed leaders were called to serve all citizens, and strived to “make politics kind again”.
In addition to her obvious love for people, Judy held a special place in her heart for shelter pets.
To honor Judy’s memory, the Judy Baar Topinka Charitable Foundation asks those who are able to please donate a can of pet food or other wish list item to your favorite local animal shelter or pet rescue group. Together we can all make a difference.
One of Judy’s most memorable accomplishments was creating the Comptroller’s Critters Pet Adoption Program, with the help of Chuck Hagopian, and support from Governor Pat Quinn. The program has been lovingly and dutifully carried on under the watchful eye of Comptroller Susana Mendoza.
Comptroller’s Critters saved money on animal control statewide by using the extra space on the Comptroller’s website to easily connect Illinois animal shelters and rescue groups with adoptive fur-ever families.
An outreach program provided pet care information at events to help keep dogs and cats from becoming homeless to begin with and created partnerships with other not-for-profits to help pet owners gain access to reduced cost or free veterinary events, spay/neuter programs and rabies vaccinations.
Throughout her lifetime she served in the Illinois House of Representatives, the Illinois State Senate and was elected to Illinois State Treasurer and Illinois State Comptroller. She passed away at the start of her second term as comptroller on December 10, 2014.
A new family-friendly, all-ages appropriate book called “Girl Power: The Judy Baar Topinka Story”, written by #1 best-selling author, Chicago Writers Association member, and Illinois Reads Ambassador, K.P. Lynne is slated for publication in January 2026.
100% of all royalties will go directly to the Judy Baar Topinka Charitable Foundation to support scholarships. Watch the Illinois Patch for information.
