DAVID DUFFIELD - PAWS Chicago

10th
Beach Party
Presented by
In Memory of
Mr. Tripps Manilow
The 10th Annual Beach Party, presented by
MoroccanOil and In Memory of Mr. Tripps
Manilow, kicked off on July 19 at North
Avenue Beach and raised more than $217,000
for homeless animals! The event treated
guests to silent and live auctions as well as
dinner, dancing and summer cocktails on
the beach. Committee Co-Chairs Renata &
Robert Block and Virginia Stafman, ensured
that the event was a success, along with
major sponsors Michigan Avenue Magazine,
American Airlines, Sue & Wes Dixon, Bonnie &
James Spurlock and Peter & Paula Fasseas.
Run for Their Lives
On Sunday, September 23, more than 2,200 animal lovers strapped on their
running shoes for PAWS Chicago’s Run for Their Lives 8K Run/4K Walk. The
dog-friendly event, which featured a Canine Carnival and a pet/person costume
contest, raised more than $170,000 for homeless pets.
Clockwise: Co-Chairs Virginia Stafman and Robert & Renata Block with Godiva;
Elizabeth Wehmann with Oscar; Dr. Tara Clack and Susan Clack; Bonnie & James Spurlock
photo by: Mila Samokhina
Beach Party Photography by:
Malia Rae Photography
photo by: Mila Samokhina
Run/Walk Photography by: Sparenga Photography
Lily
Dear PAWS Chicago,
One morning, my daughter Lily said, “Dad, I know I can’t be an animal when I
grow up, so I think I want to take care of them and work at a zoo or a vet office.” Lily
was about four years old at the time and her love for animals and genuine concern for
their well-being has only grown.
Lily really wanted a dog for her 10th birthday, but we weren’t ready to take on the
responsibility of another pet (two cats, a dog, and a bird seemed like enough.) We did,
however, want to do something related to animals. In doing some research, we found
PAWS Chicago. The PAWS mission: “to build a No Kill Chicago—a city where pets are
no longer destroyed just because they are homeless,” could not have been conceived in
greater alignment with Lily’s nature.
PAWS Chicago’s Run for Their Lives 8K was the perfect birthday present. We
decided to travel from Cleveland to participate in the run. Lily was thrilled to have
the chance to raise money and meet the challenging goal of running an 8K to save the
lives of animals. She and I spent the summer training, getting ready for the race.
Finally the weekend of the race arrived. We made the drive from Cleveland to
Chicago. We had so much fun walking around before the race and seeing all the
amazing dogs. We took our place, and before we knew it, we were on our way. All
the hard work Lily put in from the summer paid off. Our goal was to finish under
an hour. Lily finished in 54:45! It was wonderful to see the pride and sense of
accomplishment on her face as we crossed the finish line, knowing she had raised
more than $3,000 for animals in need.
Before we left Chicago, we decided to visit the PAWS Adoption Center to see
where the money was going. What an amazing place. It was so wonderful to see
animals without owners being so well loved and taken care of until they found a
permanent home.
As we walked around, we found one room with three puppies. It was pretty
much love at first sight. There was no way we were leaving without the little brown
and white puppy. Playful and sweet, smart and loving, Sam was meant to help Lily
celebrate her 10th birthday. In the end, Lily got her birthday wish as well as realizing
she doesn’t have to wait until she grows up to make an impact saving the lives of
animals.
- Catherine and Mark Nestor
Kate
kids corner
These kids are fifinding great ways to
lend a helping hand to homeless animals.
Top: Lily and her dad at PAWS Chicago’s
Run for Their Lives. Bottom: Lily with
her new PAWS dog, Sam.
As a part of her ninth birthday celebration, Kate
introduced five of her friends to PAWS Chicago!
The girls spent the day at PAWS Chicago’s
Adoption Center where they took a tour and
volunteered. Thanks to Kate’s love of animals,
she helped others learn about the importance of
helping homeless pets!
Immaculate Conception Girl Scout Cadet Troop
Alan
Seven-year-old Alan learned about PAWS
Chicago when he found a copy of PAWS
Chicago Magazine in front of his house. After
his father read him a few stories, Alan decided
he wanted to do his part to help. Alan held a
toy sale and donated half of the proceeds to
PAWS Chicago. He also mailed a few extra
dollars of his own to PAWS. According to Alan,
“I like dogs and cats and they deserve love and
a home.” Thanks to Alan’s support, more pets
will find loving homes.
Special thanks to Co-Chairs
TITLE SPONSOR: Pfizer Animal Health Top Ten Pledge Raisers
Pat Spratt, Robert Kabakoff
Deana Bond Rita Edidin
The Immaculate Conception Girl Scout Cadet
and Brett Lyons, committee
MAJOR SPONSORS: ComEd,
Frank Coco Kissy Liu
Troop heeded the call to observe a Day of
members, generous sponsors,
Elizabeth Nestor Jennifer Perfect Toyloy
Flair Communications, Hinsdale
Service on Martin Luther King’s Birthday,
Sheila Miller Laura Costello
wonderful volunteers and
Animal Cemetery, Hotel Lincoln,
Kim Carter James Pszanka
volunteering at PAWS Chicago to do their part
participants who made this
North Community Bank,
for homeless pets. Thanks goes out to these
event a life-saving success.
Top Team Pledge Raiser
Girl Scouts who made a life-saving difference
Subaru, American Airlines
Carson Pirie Scott
in the lives of homeless cats and dogs.
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