This is the first in a series of blog posts highlighting sponsors of the HOOT! 2017 Spring Fling gala.
We thought it would be fun for everyone to get to know the people behind the generosity and learn how they became involved in helping Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest.
Pam Lehnert and Marc Warner are Happy Hour Sponsors (learn more about sponsorship levels and details for individuals here).
Here is Pam’s description of how and why she and Marc became involved in the sanctuary:
In June, 2008, there was an article in the local Cle Elum/Roslyn paper announcing an open house for a soon-to-open chimpanzee sanctuary. Marc and I immediately made plans to attend, as we thought this was likely the only opportunity we would have to see this private facility. Little did we know that this would be the first of many trips to Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest as we became involved as volunteers – and that the names Negra, Jamie, Missy, Annie, Jody, Foxie and Burrito would become part of our extended “family tree”!
Having a home in the area, we were fortunate to be able to get to know not only “The Cle Elum Seven”, but the wonderful humans involved with this organization as well. One fateful night, J.B. and Diana were at our cabin having dinner when the subject of doing a fundraising event in Seattle came up. After taking a deep breath, I admitted to Diana that I had some experience with auction events – and as they say – the rest is history and we have been involved with CSNW events ever since.
I always say that the chimps brought us to the sanctuary, but it is in large part the staff and volunteers who have kept us involved. Their willingness to share their knowledge and selfless dedication never ceases to amaze us. Marc and I feel lucky to have been a part of this special group from the beginning and look forward to supporting Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest during this exciting time of growth… and further expanding our family tree.
Pam glossed over the countless hours that she has spent making CSNW events what they are. From planning to decorating to editing to organizing, Pam has been an integral part of events, and she and Marc have also helped the sanctuary in many other ways too, including some back-breaking physical work, creative building, food preparation for humans and chimpanzees alike, and many, many other endeavors.
They also have a very friendly rescued pup named Toby:
Big thanks to Pam and Marc for choosing to sponsor the HOOT! 2017 Spring Fling and helping to make this event a success before it even happens.
See all current sponsors on the HOOT! 2017 event page and find out how you too can be a sponsor!
Thank you Diana for sharing with us the amazing people behind the HOOT! event. Every year I dream of flying across the country to attend but sadly, it never works out that way for me. Discovering more about the generous, caring people who support CSNW as well as the HOOT! is the next best thing to being there. The Cle Elum Seven are so fortunate to be surrounded by such talented friends, or should I say “family”. : )
It’s going to happen someday, and you are going to have such a good time :). The Cle Elum Seven are indeed very fortunate – for friends near and, like you, far away.
What a good looking couple! Kinda reminds me of my own sister and brother-in-law. Oh wait. They ARE!
I know how much they enjoy being in your family, humans and chimps and dogs. Speaking of chimps – I particularly pay attention to Annie, since that is my own name. I think she’s pretty special too.
Anyway…..I wish I could come for a visit from Chicago, but that’s not in the cards right now. Just know that my very best wishes for all of you are wending their way west on the wind that sounds suspiciously like HOOT! HOOT!
Thank you for commenting, Annie! And thank you for making quilts for past auctions! 🙂
What a wonderful post! The chimps and their humans are so lucky to have family like this nearby.
Sooo lucky!
How nice to be able to find out more about the wonderful supporters of the sanctuary and the Spring fling. Thank you Pam and Marc for all you are doing for the chimps and for rescuing Toby. Wish we could attend the event as well but it is a long trek for us. It would be nice to meet all of you special people in person.
Maybe one of these days you can attend the event, Arlene and Michael!
Love seeing faces to chimpanzee lovers! What great people. Wish I lived close by to help too. Hugs…
We wish you lived closer too, Mary!