Paw to Heart
I’m so excited about this collaboration. PAWS, Pets Are Wonderful Support San Diego, who has helped me out with vet bills sometimes, is a great charity. They help people keep their pets by providing grants for vet bills, giving food, walking dogs of the ill, and a whole host of other things. For several years, I’ve donated paintings to their big fundraising party, Fiesta del PAWS.
PAWS SAN DIEGO COUNTY, INC. TO CELEBRATE TEN YEARS OF
FIESTA DEL PAWS WITH “PAW TO HEART” GARDEN PARTY
PAWS pairs with local artist and photographer Tamandra Michaels to create a special theme for this year’s celebration of the compelling bond between people and pets.
San Diego, CA—April 16, 2010 –PAWS San Diego County, Inc. announces its 2010 Fiesta theme “Paw to Heart”— a tribute to the life-saving bond PAWS clients share with their companion animals as seen through the eyes of local artist, Tamandra Michaels. On Sunday, June 6 PAWS San Diego County, Inc. will celebrate a decade of Fiesta Del PAWS, the nonprofit’s annual fundraising event. This year’s afternoon garden party will take place on an estate adjoining Balboa Park.
“We wanted to highlight the human-animal bond and show the San Diego Community what they have given to each and every PAWS client over the last ten years. Animals leave paw prints on our hearts and everyday PAWS clients feel the benefits of their unconditional love.” said Fiesta Co-Chair and PAWS board member Lisa Lipsey. “When I saw Tamandra’s Paw to Heart artwork I was struck by its clear and beautiful message. We are so fortunate that Tamandra and Borias are part of the PAWS family and that Tammy was willing to lend her talent to this year’s event.”
Having grown up with a disability, Tamandra found solace and acceptance in the form of a canine companion from a young age. Her assistance dog, Borias, receives the veterinary care he needs through PAWS’ veterinary voucher program. Without Fiesta and the support of the San Diego Community, this program would not be possible. “As a volunteer driven, local organization, it takes an incredible amount of people with heart and generosity to carry forth our mission.” said Lipsey.
Annually, the donations generated through Fiesta cover thirty-five to forty percent of PAWS’ annual operating budget, and provide crucial funding for client services. “Our programs take care of the essentials: food, litter, supplies and veterinary care.” said Lipsey. “This allows for healthy pets and client peace of mind. If their dog or cat is sick or injured, we are there to help them. Many times, their animal is the only companionship they have. We help animals and we help people. It is vital that we keep every animal healthy, out of the shelter system and together with the person that needs their support.”
Fiesta Del PAWS began ten years ago as a small garden party for concerned citizens who wanted to make a difference for PAWS. Since that time, it has grown into an afternoon of entertainment for all of San Diego to celebrate the human-animal bond and to raise money for PAWS. “PAWS is entirely funded by local foundations and corporations, Fiesta del PAWS and every day animal loving San Diegans.” added Lipsey.
For more information about Fiesta contact the PAWS offices at 619-297- PAWS (7297) or e-mail paws.ed@pawssdc.org. For tickets visit us online atwww.pawssdc.org
PAWS San Diego County, Inc. (Pets Are Wonderful Support) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency providing essential services to assist the low-income elderly, the chronically-ill and the disabled in keeping their beloved companion animals. Services include: monthly distribution of pet food and supplies, veterinary subsidies that include life-threatening animal surgical procedures, litter box changing and dog walking, transportation to and from veterinary appointments, flea medication, and referrals to other animal welfare/human services organizations. Currently, PAWS has a three month waiting list and more than 500 clients and 700 companion animals accessing its services.
