This morning Jamie entertained herself with a picture book while she waited for the humans to finish up cleaning.
Archives for April 2017
HOOT! Sponsors Pam Lehnert & Marc Warner
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!
Dora two ways..
Happy Birthday, Lisa!
We have a lovely accompanying sponsorship for today’s day of sanctuary! This special gift is for Lisa Stuverud herself (sponsor of today’s earlier gift in memory of Linda Vizzare) from her husband, Rich, with this touching message:
“In honor of my wife on her birthday because I think this Chimpanzee Sanctuary has saved her heart and soul and that’s an amazing birthday gift for us all.”
Rich, what a sweet gift. We’re so happy to be celebrating with you all today and can’t thank you enough for including the chimpanzees in this day of family that means so much to you both.
Happy Birthday, Lisa! All of us here are wishing you a joyful day of celebrating life, family and loved ones. Thank you so much for all you do to make sure the chimpanzees are able to celebrate the same things. And here are some birthday hoots and smiles from your pals. Have a beautiful day, Lisa! We’re so grateful you both are part of our chimp family.
Burrito:
Foxie:
Jamie:
Missy (well, she’s smiling inside 😉 ):
In memory of Linda Vizzare
This day of sanctuary was sponsored by the chimps’ long-time friend, Lisa Stuverud, in memory of her sister-in-law, Linda Vizzare. Lisa and her husband, Rich, have been a big part of creating a life of sanctuary for the chimps and helping them celebrate each day. Lisa shared this beautiful message about Linda:
“Today, I’m honoring my late sister-in-law Linda who I miss very much (she loved Burrito)…this was always our day to celebrate…and I’m choosing to share it with the sanctuary because everyday since becoming aware of the Cle Elum 7 and everyone involved with CSNW…I have witnessed the ability to overcome and rise above, to appreciate every warm sunbeam and ripe tomato, to have a selfless passion to help others and I feel that I am a better person and my dear sister-in-law would be very proud.”
Lisa, thank you for including the chimps in your family and for doing something so beautiful as to ease your heart by sharing your love with them and adding to their lives. We hope all the joy that comes to them today brings you peace, comfort and joy as you remember Linda and celebrate all she meant to you. Our thoughts are with you and your family today.
For Linda,
Today’s happenings
Hands down, today is the loveliest day we’ve seen in quite some time. The air is fresh and the with only a slight breeze. The chimps have been enjoying themselves with a variety of choices today, from roaming Young’s Hill throughout the day to nesting and grooming in the toasty sun-warmed greenhouse, to crazy games in the playroom.
Foxie began her day by tossing her new France Dora doll on her back (this is how chimp mamas carry their young) and heading up Young’s Hill for a morning stroll:
Missy has been asking for weeks to have the barn doors at the end of the playroom open so she can see if the garden popped up overnight yet. We usually give her a quick peek, but it’s still too cold to leave them open for more than a few minutes. But today was the first time it was actually warm enough to leave them open for about an hour so the chimps enjoyed sitting in the sun and watching Keri begin garden preparation!
Missy took a break from garden duty to head over for a game of ghost tug o’ war with me. You know that game, right? Put a blanket over your head and play tug o’ war? And then stand on your head, of course (Missy, not me!).
Of course, Jamie made sure to supervise Keri with all those tools (someone had to):
Jody enjoyed snoozing in a sun puddle:
And I think dear, sweet Annie summed up the day best for all of us as she closed her eyes and lifted her face to the sun: