RANCHO SANTA FE — Members of the upper management from local Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inns by Marriott arrived at Helen Woodward Animal Center to extend some philanthropic elbow-grease to the center’s latest fundraising project June 10.
The animal-loving staff from the pet-friendly hotel chain, designed for extended stays, adopted the center during the last year and a half, engaging in multiple fundraising and hands-on projects to support the orphan pets and programs. A brand new resale shop named “Orphaned Objects,” set to open on the center grounds Aug. 3, was their latest focus.
The hotel staff isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Earlier this year, local Residence Inns by Marriott managers and assistant managers jumped in to overhaul a number of Helen Woodward Animal Center structural amenities in need of repair – cleaning, scrubbing, sanding, painting and rebuilding the sheep enclosure, the Therapeutic Riding ramps and fences and the adoption department retaining walls.
June 10, the staff was at it, once again, readying the upcoming “Orphaned Objects” resale shop for its summer opening. In one hard day’s work, the hotel group provided a top-to-bottom fresh coat of paint to the walls of the store, which will offer previously loved and recycled goods such as clothing, furniture, art, jewelry and more.
“Even if I can make just a small bit of difference, it means a lot to me to help with something that will provide a source of revenue for the orphan pets at Helen Woodward Animal Center,” said Residence Inns by Marriott Gaslamp General Manager Nicole Masri who has two rescued Chihuahuas of her own. “My dogs were considered ‘unadoptable’ but I adopted them anyway. I love them so much it’s hard to put into words. If I could give even more of my time to help homeless animals, I would.”
For information, call (858) 756-4117, ext. 305 or visit animalcenter.org/volunteer.
