Gabriel's Angels Hosted 300 Guests at Annual "Pets Helping Kids" Luncheon

By Myra Richman

On Friday, May 4th, 2007, Phoenix Zoo had one very special guest at the Gabriel's Angels (GA) fundraising luncheon--SADIE--accompanied by founder of GA, Pam Gaber.

The annual luncheon was held as a public awareness, fundraising and appreciation event intended to help raise community awareness, build lifelong donors and raise funds--all in the time frame of one hour, to respect guests' time.

There were brief stories from Loretta Love Huff (board chair), David (who told of his turnaround because of Gabriel's Angels), Pam Gaber, Mike Gaber, Marsha Porter (executive director of Crisis Nursery), Maggie Sommer (telling why she volunteers) and Robert Burghart (board vice chair). A touching film produced by Hummingbird Productions showed how the organization helps kids feel trust and responsibility when caring for their pet friends--even by brushing their teeth.

With a new chapter in Tucson, there is always a growing need for volunteers, donors and certification of additional Pet Therapy Teams, in order to serve the thousands of at-risk children.

In last year's annual report, Gabriel's Angels covered in great detail the "link" between domestic violence and animal abuse. There's a waiting list of over two dozen facilities desiring their services.

Begun on January 1, 1999 by founder Pam Gaber with her adopted founding dog Gabriel, the purpose was (and is) to deliver healing pet therapy to abused, neglected and at-risk children, nurturing their ability to love and trust, thereby freeing them from the cycle of violence.  Their first visit was to the Crisis Nursery Holiday Party.  Now, 7,700 visits with over 29,000 abused and at-risk children later, the organization has grown significantly.

For more information, visit www.petshelpingkids.org or call 480-460-5333.