When Mike Kovack turned 75, he didn’t want a quiet dinner or a traditional party focused on gifts and cake. Instead, he transformed his milestone birthday into a community-driven celebration with a purpose — supporting the local Humane Society and bringing people together to celebrate life while they can.
“The whole purpose of the birthday party was just — don’t wait till I’m dead,” Kovack said with a laugh. “Just say hi to your friends and thank you. You can’t do that when you’re in a casket or an urn. Life’s too short — let’s not wait.”
Rather than hosting his party at a typical venue, Kovack partnered with the Humane Society and held the event in their conference facility. Guests were invited not to bring personal gifts, but supplies and donations for animal care.
“I didn’t want people to bring cakes and bananas and stuff like that,” he said. “I figured, let me team up with something to make it beneficial to the community.”
The invitation even carried a playful theme: “Mike’s birthday bash is going to the dogs.” The only requirement for attendance was bringing items the Humane Society could use — pet food, blankets, beds, detergent, and other daily necessities.
The response exceeded expectations. Tables quickly filled with donated supplies, with more stacked underneath and additional items arriving after the event.
“They said that’s the most they’ve ever seen donated at one time,” Kovack said. “If you ask, believe it or not, people will give. Too many times people are disappointed they’re not getting support — did you ask? You’ve got to ask.”
Kovack said one of his goals was increasing awareness about what the Humane Society actually does for the community.
“A lot of people don’t know about it,” he explained. “They think it’s just an adoption place. I say no — it’s a care center.”
He pointed to their low-cost services as especially important for working families and seniors.
“They do low-cost vaccinations, low-cost neutering,” he said. “If you went to a vet to get the dog’s shots, they might charge you $100 to $200. The Humane Society is like 30 bucks.”
Kovack also noted their compassion during difficult moments. “They do euthanasia, which is nice and caring. They charge you if you’re okay to pay — and if you’re not, they just say send a donation.” Kovack emphasized their approach reflects a deep compassion for suffering animals, ensuring that even families with limited means can give their pets a gentle, dignified, and humane goodbye. In addition, the organization assists with animal cruelty and abuse investigations for the county.
Kovack’s support is also personal. “I’ve been supporting them on my own, just going over there. I put down all three of my cats there — they’re very compassionate. They even send you a nice little card afterwards.”
Beyond guest donations, local businesses and friends stepped up to contribute food, supplies, and services. Napoli’s Italian Restaurant donated the food for the event, Blue Ice of San Bernardino supplied the ice, and a local McDonald’s from the Colton area contributed goods and gift coupons; Hamburglar made a special appearance to wish Mike a happy birthday. Professional bartender, Dominic Mercante, donated the beverages as well as his time behind the bar, while radio-personality, Jesse Duran, was the master of ceremony for the celebration, keeping the energy upbeat and the atmosphere festive throughout the event.
Support continued even after the party. Redlands Jeep dealership collected and donated two boxes of blankets for the animal shelter, and additional guests and supporters dropped off supplies and checks in the days that followed.
“It was just nice to see that when you ask and you tell them what it’s for, people will respond,” Kovack said. “You can’t just sit back and expect people to help you — you’ve got to ask them.”
Cash donations at the event totaled roughly $700, with additional checks and supplies continuing to arrive afterward.
The birthday celebration also reflected Kovack’s lifelong career in nonprofit leadership and fundraising. He previously served twice as executive director of a regional Ronald McDonald House, helping lead a major capital campaign that expanded the facility from 18 units to 68.
“We needed $20 million, and we could not break ground until we had 80% of the money accounted for,” he said. After approaching tribal leadership for support, the project received a transformational commitment. “She said, ‘Why don’t you go ahead and start breaking ground because we will grant you the $8.4 million.’ And within a short amount of time, we broke ground.”
After years in nonprofit work and university athletics fundraising, Kovack says service remains central to his outlook — a value he credits in part to his family. He spoke proudly of his sister, Sister Carla, who has spent decades in religious life and continues volunteering in retirement. “It’s always a giving part of what she does,” he said.
At the close of his birthday event, Kovack shared a simple message with attendees — one he hopes others will take to heart.
“I’ve been to too many memorial services where they call it a celebration of life,” he said. “But how can you celebrate somebody’s life if they’re not going to be there?”
Instead, he encourages people to gather now.
“Celebrate with your family and friends now, because tomorrow’s not guaranteed,” Kovack said. “Enjoy them today — and have a chance to thank them.”