The Pet Project has
spent the summer months
reorganizing, strengthening
their organization
and expanding their
services. They are
packing their calendar
with fundraisers and
events to help promote
their services and
raise money. Also,
they have expanded
their mission to include
individuals with all
terminal illnesses,
and no longer limit
their services to
those living with
HIV/AIDS.
"We
have worked very hard
to reorganize to better
serve our clients
and expand our services,"
said Ari ana Testamarck,
chair of the board
of directors. "We
will also be working
with businesses, individuals
and organizations
in the community to
have events on a continuing
basis to keep our
message out there
and to help with fundraising."
The
Pet Project has been
assisting terminally
ill people since 2002,
promoting and preserving
the human/ animal
bond. They assist
with pet care and
maintenance, and "empowers
people living with
severe terminal illnesses
to care for and keep
their companion animals.
Felix
DeBruin, Pet Project
executive director,
said, "It's been
a wonderful challenge
and we have worked
hard to make sure
our existing clients
continue to receive
services, as well
as opening our doors
for many more clients
throughout South Florida."
Among
the many events they
are planning are clambakes
at private homes,
a film festival, monthly
lunches and weekly
dances.
On Oct. 15, they will
be holding a fundraiser
at DOTFiftyOne Happenings
in con junction with
SAVE Dade in the Miami
Design District at
51 N W 36t Street.
It is planned to be
an evening of art,
wine and cocktails,
food tasting and a
live concert by InnerVoice.
The food for the tasting
is being provided
by local chefs Tita
Calcano and Bren Rheaume.
There is a recommended
S20 donation for the
event. To RSVP, call
SAVE Dade at 305.751.7283.
The
following week, the
Pet Project will be
working with Central
Bark in Oakland Park
to present a film
festival, Oct. 21-24,
that will feature
movies with animals.
"Central Bark
is a wonderful facility,"
Testamarck said. "People
can bring their pets
and enjoy a great
movie while helping
us continue our mission."
They
are also planning
to launch their newsletter
as soon as possible
to provide the community
with up-to date information
and announcements.
"We need people
to help out with thisproject,"
said DeBruin. "We
need more writers
as well as a graphic
designer and a cost
effective printer."
Also,
the Pet Project is
working with The Independent
on a major party in
February. "We
are designing a Mardi-Gras-style
event that will be
a fun and enjoyable
way to help with fundraising
and outreach,"
said Testamarck. "It
will be a blend of
MardiGras and Brazil
Fest." The event
will also mark the
first anniversary
of The Independent.
More details will
be published as they
become available.
As
part of the Pet Project's
effort to provide
the community with
timely and valuable
information of their
ser vices and events,
they are redesigning
their web site. While
the new web site will
be launched shortly,
they are seeking an
individual or company
that can provide monthly
maintenance services
on a volunteer basis.
"We
need to make sure
that the information
is always updated
and accurate,"
said DeBruin. "We
are posting our upcoming
events and articles
- an exciting and
informative web presence."
Among
the services offered
through the Pet Project
are pet food, supplies,
home with executive
deliveries, annual
vacProject family.
cinations, recommend
spay/neuter services
and community outreach
to help educate people
about the importance
of the human/animal
bond.
Like
many non-profit organizations
in South Florida,
the Pet Project is
in need of more volunteers
as well as veterinarians
that can volunteer
their time to assist
their clients.
