Chimp Haven To Honor Donors and Volunteers

Wed Sep 17, 2008

Chimp Haven's Annual Appreciation Event is to be the biggest in organization’s history.  On November 15, 2008, The National Chimpanzee Sanctuary will be going “Back to Africa” at the annual donor and volunteer appreciation event at Chimp Haven. 
Sustaining donors and dedicated volunteers will feast on a delicious catered meal by local chef Saul Williams, whose African-influenced cuisine will kick off a day of memorable experiences, including a special behind-the-scenes tour of the sanctuary.

The theme, “Back To Africa” refers to the birthplace of many of the chimpanzees currently residing at Chimp Haven, and the natural home of chimpanzees in the wild.  Plans have been made to serve an early lunch on sanctuary grounds under the shady canopy of the forest and beneath the rustic hut seen by visitors at the monthly Chimpanzee Discovery Days.  Donors and Volunteers will be honored and given tokens of appreciation while being entertained with authentic African drumbeats from the local non-profit organization Playaz and Playettes, led by Ron Hardy.

Donors, Volunteers and local dignitaries have been sent “Save the Date” cards so that they can put this exciting yearly event on their calendars.  Chimp Haven expects guests from all over the country to make plans to attend the Appreciation Event, and looks forward to having such important people as their guests for the day. 

Dr. Linda Brent, President of Chimp Haven, said of the event, “We are thrilled to recognize the contributions of our donors and volunteers at the upcoming event.  Each Friend of Chimp Haven has helped to build an exceptional facility and care for each of the special chimpanzee residents.  The event is a way to say thank you from the chimpanzees, staff and board of directors for the dedication and compassion of our donors and volunteers.”

Many of the donors who will be recognized at the event are members of the Benefactor’s Circle, the organization’s highest giving level, while others have generously sponsored a chimpanzee throughout the year, providing funds to assist in their care, while receiving updates on their sponsored chimpanzee’s progress at the sanctuary.  Also invited are local businesses that have sponsored a Classroom that Cares, or one of the popular Chimpanzee Discovery Days.  To learn more about becoming a member of the Benefactor’s Circle, or any of Chimp Haven’s sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rhonda Branch, Director of Development and Organizational Advancement at 318-925-5784 or by email: rbranch@chimphaven.org.

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Chimp Haven serves as The National Chimpanzee Sanctuary. It is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide lifetime care for chimpanzees that have been retired from medical research, the entertainment industry or no longer wanted as pets. The organization was founded in 1995 by professionals from the primatological, pharmaceutical, animal protection, zoo and business communities.  Chimp Haven is currently home to 134 chimpanzees.  Chimpanzee Discovery Days are part of Chimp Haven’s Educational Programs.