The Julie Formato Fund for Animals was established in 1998 by the family of Julie Formato. Formato, who died in 1998, was an admired figure among Westmoreland County animal lovers. She was especially beloved at Action for Animals, a Latrobe animal shelter with which she had a long association. In 1999, Action for Animals commemorated Formato’s life and passion by hosting “Julie Formato Day” with Formato’s family at the beginning of Westmoreland County’s celebration of “Be Kind to Animals Week,” a national initiative supporting animal welfare.