May, 05 2007 - Gabriel's Angels "Pets Helping Kids" Fundraising Luncheon
Where: Phoenix Zoo
When: May 4, 2007
Time: 11:30 am - 1 pm
Ticket Prices: No charge
Beneficiary: Gabriel's Angels
EMCEE: Alisa Armijo (supporter and Pet Therapy Team) with Sadie
Founders: Pam Gaber
President(s): Pam Gaber
Staff: Zee Peters (director of development), Ron Zeka (director of programs), Alia Wilson (volunteer coordinator), Lisa Farrell (administrative assistant)
Welcome: Alisa Armijo
Sponsors: UNDERWRITING: Casino Arizona; TABLE GIFT: Meridian Bank, NA; PRESENTING: Wealth Management Internation, Ltd.; LOCATION: Phoenix Zoo
Quote of the evening: "A child is abused in Arizona every hour," said Pam Gaber, founder and president of Gabriel's Angels.
Attendance: 300
Board of Directors: Loretta Love Huff (chair); Robert Burhhart (vice chair); Jeffrey Pinter (treasurer); Tricia Gillespie (secretary); Steve Dunn, Sarah Eagleburger, Michael Gaber, Barb Kenney, Carrie Leary, Dayna Mueller, Pat Severance, Sue Shipman, Leslie Sonnenklar, Michele Swinick, Nancy Yeamans, Ph.D
Steering Committee: TABLE HOSTS: Mary Almassy, Alisa Armijo, Erin Armstrong, Sharon Barger, Kim Bengtson Yeatts, Robert Burghart, Sondra Burwick, Mary Christmas, Ashley Cornils, Beth Crotty, Steve Dunn, Sarah Eagleburger, Holly Eslinger, Marcia Fine, Mike Gaber, Tricia Gillespie, Barb Kenney, Carrie Leary, Loretta Love Huff, Susie Miller, Jacob Moore, Dayna Mueller, Laura Orsini, Jeffery Pinter, Pat Severance, Sue Shipman, Leslie Sonnenklar, Michele Swinick, Patty Snyder Park, Deborah "Doc" Watson, Jackie Westland, Nancy Yeamans, Ph.D.
Blacktie Photos by: Iris Lancaster
Steve Dunn, Dr. Nancy Yeamans
View all photos
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.