Gorilla
"Gorumbles" of Gratitude!
(When a gorilla is happy, they
rumble/grumble/purr)
For me personally, this time has been especially difficult. I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor and rich is much more fun! I’m used to being the one picking up the tab for everyone and leaving the big tip, or donating funds for projects around the globe. Now that fund-raising will be part of our future, I need to adjust my mind-set and learn to graciously accept help. Recently several generous donations were received and I started to cry, as I felt like George Bailey after the angel Clarence showed him it really was “A Wonderful Life.” Just this past month we received two very nice donations:
- Pant hoots of appreciation! Thanks to Jo,
Lesley and Zelia from Chimps Inc for their generosity after a visit to
Gorilla Haven. The donations they made after their visit were an
unexpected yet wonderful surprise, which were much needed and
appreciated.
http://www.chimps-inc.org/
- A very special donation was received from former gorilla caregiver and dear friend, Nessa Phelan of Toronto, Canada. Vanessa worked with Oliver’s father, Barney, and has been a long-time supporter of Gorilla Haven and many other gorilla projects. Her friendship, encouragement and belief in me personally, have meant more to me than words can say – Thanks, dearest Nessa …
Now that we must
fund-raise, we are also reliant on the kindness of businesses and services
of a wide variety. On this page, we will feature donations of in-kind
services to our special friends.
v Island Supplements http://www.islandsupplements.com
Island Supplements:
1905 45th Street
Galveston, TX 77550
ISLAND SUPPLEMENTS: As I often do, I asked for a discount or donation for Joe's special weight gain powder, and was told that wasn’t possible. Then I got a phone call from Cherie at Island Supplments, and explained the unique situation we were in: We’re not body-builders, but just trying to keep a wonderful silverback healthy and thriving…. Long story short, not only did Island Supplements agree to help us, they went even further than we expected, and they’ve agreed to provide Joe his MetRx for free for the rest of his life! Each month, they send us a supply of MetRx! We sent them this photo of Joe, which they can use on their website to promote themselves, and Joe’s weight has stabilized thanks to their generosity. We took the photo of Joe with an empty can of MetRx filled with treats to thank them, and they "photo-shopped" one of their t-shirts to use on their website, which we think looks great! Thank you, Cherie and everyone at Island Supplements!
Joe (above) and Oliver (below) enjoying their
mirrors.
v Mirror Mirror On the Cage: http://www.mirroredstainlesssolutions.com
Mr. Paul Lencki
Mirrored Stainless Solutions
E772 Tomahawk Trail
Waupaca, WI 54981
In our never-ending search for ways to keep our beloved Oliver challenged and entertained, we thought if we could find a large, unbreakable mirror, perhaps he’d find it of interest. While searching the internet, I found a place in Waupaca, Wisconsin – where I used to visit friends years ago. So, I emailed the company and explained our situation – offering to mention the company in exchange for a donation or discount on a mirror for Oliver.
Much to my amazement and delight, the owner, Paul Lencki, sent us three stainless steel mirrors – gratis! – for Oliver and for Joe’s enjoyment, writing: “it would be nice if you could place something on your web site about my business however I am doing this because I can see that you have a tender spirit for this animal. The bible says that we are to help those in need. He has given me a business that I truly love so I feel blessed.”
Initially to get Oliver and Joe to show more than a passing interest in the mirrors, we covered them with peanut butter and seeds (also to get these photos). Thanks Paul!
v Top of the World on a Red Bubble:
I have several email friends around the globe who I’ve never met. Sometimes we discover ways of helping each other that we hadn’t thought about previously. One such e-pal is an artist, Julie Langford. She’s involved in an internet group of artists and her work can be found at http://www.redbubble.com/people/nannajul … When looking thru her artwork, I noticed a piece entitled “Top of the World” which I just loved. Julie graciously allowed us to use the image on note/post cards and t-shirts to sell to fund-raise for Gorilla Haven, which was wonderfully generous of her. Julie helps a lot of people and primates/animals around the world and it’s great to know people can help their world in such a variety of ways. Thank you, Julie!
"Top of the World" image donation.
v High Country Picture Framing
491 East Main Street
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
706-258-2987
A couple years ago, when funds weren’t in such short supply, I decided to get much of my gorilla artwork framed professionally, taking it to a local shop in Blue Ridge. We joked that our business paid their rent for several months, despite the discount they offered us. Initially when I told them I had a lot of work for them, I think they had their doubts. Months and months later, they realized I’m not prone to underestimate.
Now that we’re looking to fund-raise, one idea is to sell some artwork and photos, and once again, Mike and Christie of High Country Framing, came to our aid. We explained our situation and they donated framing and matting for our fund-raising efforts. Thanks High Country Framing!!
Mike & Christie with some of the donated framing.
Virunga Artisans live in Rwanda, the DRC and Uganda
v Virunga Artisans:
Website:
http://www.virungaart.com
We turned to our friends at Virunga
Artisans to get items to sell at Arts in the Park (May 2008) ... after
explaining our financial situation, Katie Doyle graciously donated several
unique, hand-made items to help with our fund-raising efforts, including
hand-carved tea boxes and hand-woven handbags made of banana leaf.
Thanks Katie!
v
Photography by Noel
Photography by Noel
Dave & Andy Noel
P.O. 750508
Las Vegas, Nevada 89136
ph. 888-716-7330
Fx. (702) 649-6360
Em: noel14@cox.net
About ten
years ago we received an email from Andy and Dave Noel about creating items
for fund-raising for Gorilla Haven, which we didn't need to do. So, when the
time came when we did need to think of ways of raising funds, I emailed them
and soon an enthusiastic and creative email exchange of ideas came about.
Their 15 year old business creates items for over 100 zoo gift shops and
sanctuaries in the USA and Canada. Products include quality
zoo/wildlife/scenic magnets, keyrings, bag tags, mousepad and snowglobes.
Unlike other places, there were no minimum purchase requirements and they
could use our own photos.
We are getting several items, including some panoramic magnets like this, to
sell at the Arts in the Park show (May 2008).
It's refreshing to find personal and fast, high quality service by people
who clearly enjoy what they're doing. Thanks
Andy and Dave!
v
Special Thanks to people who have sent donations (since January 2008,
alphabetically):
- Evelyn Reis in memory of Lorraine Chapdelaine –
- Lawrence Finch
- Nicole Graham
- Amber Gray
- The G. Hermann Foundation
- Stephen Kissinger
- Gerry Lukos
- Jon Meyer
- Raymond & Shirley Morrison
- Susan Pearson
- Pam Rasmussen
- Paul & Kay Vee Rhoads
- Doreen Rosanen
- Theodore & Elaine Saugstad
- Mike Seres
- Virginia Stangel
- Sue Woods