In case you haven’t heard, in the world of chimps, Brandon Wood rocks!
Brandon is 11 and has been working hard on behalf of chimpanzees. He’s been very busy sending letters to congress and to the president, telling them about the importance of the Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act, and has even been fundraising for the Cle Elum Seven! His dedication, passion and diligence is something to really look up to. I know I do!!
So, as a way to honor him and all that he has done, and is doing, we had a surprise party for the chimps today. Volunteer Connie initiated the plan and brought a few “rock star-style” party decorations and then, volunteers Stephanie and Katelyn went on the hunt in Seattle and found all kinds of rockin’ decor, including a guitar pinata- because we think Brandon “rocks”! In addition, I secretly contacted Brandon’s mom, Deanna, to find out some of Brandon’s favorite foods and snacks so we could have them for the party and make the day as special as possible.
To get the chimps geared up for a party, we started things out by having a snow cone/cup forage in the greenhouse.
Annie:
Burrito:
Foxie:
Deanna told me that one of Brandon’s favorite things is pumpkin pie. We don’t give the chimps dairy or sugar, so we were presented with a challenge, but it didn’t stop us! We pureed pumpkin, soy milk, tofu, and cinnamon and baked it inside mini pumpkins. I think it worked out pretty well!
Burrito loved it!
Some of the decor, pre-party:
Annie with the guitar pinata:
Jamie:
Deanna told me that another favorite of Brandon’s is ants-on-a-log, and that he also really enjoys tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots. Can you guess what we served the chimps for lunch?
Thank you so much for all you do, Brandon! In our eyes, you really are a rock star!
wow, Brandon’s Rock party looks awesome. What a wonderful young man he is. Maybe he will grow up to be a veterinarian or wildlife rehabber. Lol, someone needs to tell Jamie to eat her veggies too 🙂 The pumpkins looked yummy!
WOW!!! HI EVERYONE I REALLY LIKED THE ROCK STAR PARTY. I HOPE THE CHIMPS HAD A GREAT TIME I REALLY WANT TO THANK U FOR HAVING THIS. THE PUMPKINS WERE THE BEST CAN U SEND ME SOME??? : ] I HOPE ONE DAY I CAN COME MEET YOU ALL AND THE CHIMPS. THANK U!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BRANDON : ]
I’m so glad you liked the party, Brandon! 🙂
Brandon you are a Rock Star! Everything that you do for the chimps is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you so very much!!!!
THANK U FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!!
Brandon, you deserve this honor. Your love for chimps inspires many people and you do rock!
HI THERESA!!! THANK U!!!! IM GLAD U FEEL BETTER!!!!
Brandon, the chimps had a great time celebrating you and all your hard work today! Thank you for all you do for the chimps and just for being you! What an amazing soul you are. Thanks for making the world a better place and for inspiring others along the way. 🙂
THANK U KATELYN FOR HAVING A GREAT PARTY FOR THE CHIMPS!!!!!
Thank you to Connie, Stephanie and Katelyn!! Brandon….you DO rock!! Thanks for all you do on the behalf of chimpanzees everywhere! I have your dog tags proudly displayed in my therapy room where all my students know about the CE7 and know of your efforts. I’m using you as a caviat to their learning about what young people can do to make this world a better place! YOU ROCK!!
BRANDON, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU DO FOR CHIMPANZEES AND ESPECIALLY THESE SPECIAL 7.
GREAT PARTY! BURRITO WAS ADORABLE, JAMIE WAS FUNNY BUT NEGRA HAD ME CRACKING UP! SHE REALLY IS LIKE A QUEEN. PEASANT, I WANT MORE & I WANT IT NOW! LOL A VERY SWEET, BEAUTIFUL QUEEN : )
Celery – just a vehicle for peanut butter and raisins ! I love how they scoop out the treat and toss the celery to the floor !
Hi Brandon!! When I received my “Make a Chimp Smile” tote bags I saw that you had written a huge “Thank You!” across the front of the package. I thought that was so sweet. Now it’s my turn to THANK YOU for all the hard work you are doing for our chimp cousins.
You’re a rock legend in my book!!!!
THANK U IM GLAD YOU GOT UR BAGS!!!!