Annual Dinner Gala Set to Aid Children and Animals

The second annual Bless the Beasts & the Children event will be held at a private Malibu estate on Saturday, September 7, from 5-9:30 p.m. 

Jointly hosted by the Rotary Club of Woodland Hills Charitable Foundation (RCWH) and Malibu Pet Companions (MPC), the event will raise money for local and international service projects benefitting children, as well as for medical care for sick and injured homeless pets at the Agoura Animal Shelter.

 “Malibu Pet Companions is called upon almost daily to help animals in need of medical attention at the Agoura Animal Shelter,” said Jenn Commander, First Vice President of Malibu Pet Companions. “The need is greater than ever as larger numbers of animals are entering the shelter system due to families losing their homes."  

Funds raised at last year’s event enabled MPC to fund ACL surgeries for several dogs, stem an outbreak of pneumonia by obtaining medical care for animals as soon as they became sick, provide care for several mama dogs and their litters, and save the life of a young shepherd with a septic infection, Commander said.

 “This year’s event will raise funds so that MPC can continue to provide the medical treatment necessary to bring animals to good health, in many cases avoiding euthanasia, and resulting in joyous adoptions,” she said.

“The Rotary Club of Woodland Hills carries out many service projects benefitting children in our local community and internationally,” said Gwyn Petrick, Incoming President of RCWH. “We are especially proud of our work helping children. Co-hosting this fundraiser will enable us to remain focused on projects providing clean water and educational opportunities for our children, particularly those underserved.  

The funds raised at last year’s event have been used for everything from dictionaries and library books in the local schools to school uniforms and water wells in Uganda and a bicycle refurbishing vocational program at a local school, Petrick said.

Tickets for the Bless the Beasts & the Children event are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are $100. For tickets or more information, call 818-483-4228 or visit the website at http://events.rcwh.org

RCWHCF and MPC are currently looking for sponsors and auction donations.  If you can help, contact Lois Koch at 818-857-7566 or visit the website above to be a sponsor or donor.