A "Celebration of the Animals" Kicks Off Marin Humane Society's Centennial Year
Preview anniversary events, meet Dog Hero of the Year and special Katrina pets, celebrate Humanitarian of the Year award winner, enjoy the adoption pet parade, and more...
(NOVATO, CALIF., September 15, 2006) — The 100-year-old Marin Humane Society (171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato) kicks off a year of Centennial festivities with “A Celebration of the Animals” on Sunday, October 8, 2006 at 2pm. This event serves as an opportunity to highlight a century of accomplishments in animal welfare and also thank the community for their support. The celebration begins with a historical presentation by MHS executive director Diane Allevato, followed by an award ceremony for Humanitarians and Animal Hero of the Year. Also scheduled is a Parade of Animals featuring adoption animals and Hurricane Katrina survivors. Refreshments will be served and chic logo giveaways provided.
Several members of the community (both two- and four-legged) will be recognized for making outstanding contributions of kindness and dedication to the humane ethic:
The 2006 Humanitarian of the Year Award will be presented to Camilla H. Fox of Larkspur, Director of Wildlife Programs for the Animal Protection Institute. Camilla has written more than 50 publications on wildlife and environmental issues, and produced the award-winning documentary, Cull of the Wild: The Truth behind Trapping. Camilla also served as an appointed member on the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s National Wildlife Advisory Committee and was instrumental in forming Marin County’s non-lethal predator control program and the Marin Wildlife Coalition.
Natalie Simi, the 2006 Madelon Tormanen Humane Teacher of the Year, works at Dixie School in San Rafael. This school year, Natalie created a botany program for her first grade class in which students studied local flora on nature walks. Natalie also took an opportunity to teach her students about native wildlife when a barn owl took up residence at the school.
The 2006 Helena & Anthony Franklin Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Youth will be awarded to Piera von Glahn of Mill Valley. Piera is the founder of the Terra Linda High School Animal Care Club. Under her leadership, the club has raised more than $4,000 for animal and environmental groups around the Bay Area, including more than $400 for animals rescued by the Marin Humane Society after Hurricane Katrina.
A special Animal Hero of the Year Award will be presented to “Honey,” a life-saving cocker spaniel. Michael Bosch was backing down his driveway last October, just two weeks after he adopted Honey from the Marin Humane Society, when his car plunged 50 feet down a slope, pinning him in the overturned vehicle. Honey escaped the vehicle and traveled a quarter mile through the remote area to alert a neighbor to the crash. Michael, treated for five broken ribs and leg injuries, credits Honey with saving his life.
This event is open to the community and free of charge. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by September 27 to (415) 506-6212. For more information, please go to www.marinhumanesociety.org.
Attendees are requested to leave their animal companions safely at home.
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