Tag Archives: Monterey County

Monterey County-Based Balance Physical Therapy Joins Sneaker Drive to Help Create Business Opportunities in Developing Countries

Your gently used athletic shoes can help create sustainable job opportunities in developing countries and Monterey County-based Balance Physical Therapy is helping the cause by joining in on a sneaker drive to collect shoes at its Monterey and Salinas locations.

Monterey, CA, September 23, 2019 — Your gently used athletic shoes can help create sustainable job opportunities in developing countries and Monterey County-based Balance Physical Therapy is helping the cause by joining in on a sneaker drive to collect shoes at its Monterey and Salinas locations.

The sneaker drive is being held in conjunction with Tri-State Physical Therapy Conference, PT Day of Service (Oct. 12) and Be the Rippl, an organization that collects new and used shoes to create sustainable job opportunities, creating inventory for family businesses and merchants in developing countries to improve and build sustainable business opportunities and help impoverished, underserved, and third world communities prosper.

Shoes can be dropped off at both Balance PT locations, 2260 N. Fremont St., in Monterey, and 143 John St., in Salinas. These include:

>Tennis shoes, athletic shoes, including cleats.

​>Converse brand (only type of canvas that works as a “sneaker”).

​>Men’s, women’s and children sizes.

>Gently worn, no holes or tears.

>No dress shoes, canvas shoes, boots, or flip flops.

Rippl collects these shoes in partnership with Soles4Souls, which processes the shoes for partners such as the Haitian American Caucus. These partners distribute them for wholesale to merchants in developing areas. Shoes are sold locally in open-air markets. The business empowers others and stimulate the local economy. Then comes the so-called “Rippl Effect,” which lifts communities out of poverty by creating sustainable opportunities.

PT Day of Service, Oct. 12, is an annual event that is geared toward having PTs, PTAs, and students across the world engage in outreach and connect with their communities.

For more information on Rippl and its shoe drive, go to betherippl.com.

About PT Day of Service

In February of 2012 while serving as a health volunteer in Peru, PT Day of Service (PTDOS) Co-Founder, Efosa Guobadia, had this bold and inspirational idea “What if, on the same day, clinicians, students and associated staff of the Physical Therapy profession volunteered in different communities around the world?” Efosa then sought out his colleague, Josh D’Angelo (PTDOS Co-Founder), who describes his immediate response to this initiative. “I had a visceral response, one that told me this is something we not only should do, but something we need to do; a chance for the profession to show what we can do when we all work together.”

Since its inception PTDOS has grown exponential with service projects occurring each year in countries all over the world, and in all 50 states across the United States. To our knowledge, PTDOS is the first global Day of Service coordinated by a whole profession. It gives us the chance to lead and serve at the same time.

Alongside the growth of PTDOS has been the development our parent non-profit organization, Move Together. Move Together’s mission is to increase access to quality rehabilitation medicine around the corner and around the world. Move Together aims to achieve this by increasing the quality and quantity of physical therapy clinics worldwide, empowering clinicians, and catalyzing servant leaders. PT Day of Service directly contributes to Move Togethers goals by empowering leaders with a platform to serve, providing mentorship to those interested in creating sustainable service projects in their area, and providing the opportunity to financially contribute through sponsorships. ptdayofservice.com.

ABOUT BALANCE PHYSICAL THERAPY®

Founded in June 2002, by Dr. John Farahmand, who grew up in the Salinas Valley and attended local schools, Balance Physical Therapy® and Human Performance Center is dedicated to being the most patient-focused, result-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County.

Balance Physical Therapy® achieves that goal by the application of highly skilled manual therapy, prescribed therapeutic exercise, and patient education, forming a team with its patients that is committed to returning them to an active lifestyle.

Dr. Farahmand graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles with degrees in Psychobiology and Business Administration before pursuing his Doctorate in physical Therapy at the University of Southern California.

In addition to Dr. Farahmand, there are 12 physical therapists at Balance Physical Therapy®, all tops in their field. All of the physical therapists are committed to constant improvement in the areas of their clinical expertise, exercise interventions, advanced rehabilitation techniques, and the latest in research and science.

In order to maintain the highest standards of professional excellence, all of the physical therapists frequently attend continuing education courses, serve as mentors and clinical instructors for graduate students, and speak on a variety of topics in the local community.

Balance Physical Therapy now has two locations, in Monterey and in Salinas, to better serve the community’s needs.

Balance Physical Therapy Monterey

2260 N. Fremont St., Monterey, CA 93940

831-372-4782

monica@balancept.com

https://www.balancept.com

Balance Physical Therapy Salinas

143 John St., Salinas, CA 93901

831-422-4782

jessica@balancept.com

https://www.balancept.com

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://www.balancept.com

Artists, Dancers Join Together to Create Artwork to Benefit Dance Kids of Monterey County

Visual art meets the performing arts on Sept. 21, when 23 local artists are paired with 23 local dancers to create unique, collectable artwork to benefit Dance Kids of Monterey County.

Carmel, CA, June 03, 2019 — Visual art meets the performing arts on Sept. 21, when 23 local artists are paired with 23 local dancers to create unique, collectable artwork to benefit Dance Kids of Monterey County.

The Carmel Sunset Rotary Club presents “The Pointe of Art,” a benefit for Dance Kids of Monterey County hosted by Bennett Sculpture Carmel, 5-9 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2019, at Bennett Sculpture Carmel, San Carlos and Sixth, Carmel.

For more information, call Dance Kids at (831) 622-9008.

About Dance Kids

With over 24 years of production history, Dance Kids of Monterey County, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization founded by Richmond, is proud of its wide range of theatrical experience that support the youth of the Monterey Peninsula. In the early days, productions at the Carmel Ballet Academy included “Nutcracker” and original spring musicals written by Walt de Faria and a full-length spring ballet, produced at Sunset Center.

Dance Kids was known for fun-loving nostalgia surrounding the musical and drew from the community a range of young people and their families committed to theater. As it grew, its little venue could not handle the “Nutcracker” any longer, but continued at the venue for the spring musicals, until those too, outgrew the dance studio. “Nutcracker” moved to Sunset Center in 1995 and has remained there as its home venue except for the years the center was being remodeled.

Dance Kids “Nutcracker” has grown into a premier production eagerly awaited by cast and community. The original vision of Dance Kids of Monterey County has been honored as well as surpassed in the ensuing years. This year is one of pivotal change and growth.

Street Address:

Sunset Center, Cottage #17

San Carlos Street at 10th Ave.,

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 6225

Carmel, CA 93921

Phone: (831) 622-9008

Fax: (831) 218-1293

Email: info@dancekids.org

Website: dancekids.org

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.dancekids.org

For the Love of Monterey Peninsula

Monterey, CA, June 26, 2019 – The Thomas Kinkade galleries has joined in supporting Dance Kids of Monterey County and brings Master Highlighter Carol Van Tol in gallery to embellish newly acquired art.

Saturday July 27th

Thomas Kinkade Carmel Studio in the Garden

Ocean Avenue

Between Delores and Lincoln  | 831-624-3363

Sunday July 28th

Thomas Kinkade Studio Monterey 381 Cannery Row, Suite Q

Monterey Plaza | 831-747-2834

Event Starts: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Reception 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Music | Refreshments | Fun

The Thomas Kinkade galleries has joined in supporting Dance Kids of Monterey County and brings Master Highlighter Carol Van Tol in gallery to embellish newly acquired art. Carol who was trained by Thom in the late 90’s and has been a frequented artist to the Thomas Kinkade galleries for many years.

Your purchase of a Thomas Kinkade, numbered painting will directly support the Dance Kids Nutcracker 2019 Performance featuring the  Monterey Pops! orchestra.

The Dance Kids Nutcracker benefits the youth of Monterey County.  Performed at Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel in December, the magical holiday celebration, Nutcracker; A Monterey Peninsula Tradition, creates family memories lasting a lifetime.

Your generous support, either directly or through your purchase of a Thomas Kinkade, Painter of Light painting, will create scholarship opportunities for those children most in need.

Auditioning is a requirement and your generous support either directly or through your purchase of a Thomas Kinkade, Painter of Light painting will help a child earn a scholarship to be the next sugar plum fairy.

Dance Kids, Shaping Strong Minds, Strong Bodies and Strong Leaders through the Discipline and Creativity of Dance.

Dance Kids of Monterey County, a 501c(3), founded in 1993, is a non-profit organization that gives children a better understanding of their community and the world through the arts with dance, music and theatre opportunities. Our performing arts programs allow our participants to discover their own voice, to grow in confidence, and to develop empathy and ethical insight-to aspire, accept disappointments, to sometimes fail, and to always keep trying.

Featured Limited Edition

Carmel Sunset On Ocean Avenue

Location: On Ocean Avenue at San Carlos

Publish Date: February 1999

In Gallery ~ Master Highlighter, Carol Van Tol

Click here to R.S.V.P

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://thomaskinkadeca.com

The 60th Annual Artichoke Food & Wine Festival June 1-2, 2019, Will Showcase Talents of Some of the Top Chefs in Monterey County

Some of the best chefs in Monterey County will be showcasing their culinary talents at the 60th annual Artichoke Food & Wine Festival.

Castroville, CA, May 07, 2019 — Some of the best chefs in Monterey County will be showcasing their culinary talents at the 60th annual Artichoke Food & Wine Festival, set for Saturday and Sunday June 1-2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center.

All chef demonstrations will be held on the Chef Demo Stage at the festival and are free with admission to the festival.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

11:00 a.m. Pat Hopper, Artichoke ABC’s, Artichoke Advisory Board

12:15 p.m. Chef Dan Elinan, Hyatt Regency Monterey

1:30 p.m. Chef Chris Vacca, Hyatt Carmel Highlands

2:30 p.m. Chef Tony Baker, Baker’s Bacon/Montrio Bistro

SUNDAY, JUNE 2

10:15 a.m. Pat Hopper, Artichoke ABC’s, Artichoke Advisory Board

12:15 p.m. Chef Luz, Main Street Bakery & Cafe

1:30 p.m. Chef Chris Vacca, Hyatt Carmel Highlands

2:30 p.m. Chef Tony Baker, Baker’s Bacon/Montrio Bistro

3:30 p.m. Chef Giuseppe Panzuto, Il Tegamino

In addition to the chef demos, festival attendees will enjoy fresh artichoke food delicacies, a beer, wine and spirits garden, live entertainment, field tours and more during the two-day event. The Monterey County Fair & Event Center is located at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey.

About the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival

The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival began in 1959 and has since developed to become a harvest festival to celebrate the iconic artichoke and region known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.” The festival features family-fun events for all ages and has been a primary source of funding for local non-profit groups for many years. For more information, visit http://artichokefestival.org/.

Links:

https://artichokefestival.org/general-info/media/

https://artichokefestival.org/blog/castroville-celebrates-the-60th-annual-artichoke-food-wine-festival-in-june-2019/

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://artichokefestival.org/

Do you have Talent? Local Performers Sought for 83rd Annual Monterey County Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019

Attention Monterey County! Show off your talents! Local performers and those who wish to showcase their talents for free are being sought to appear on the Community Stage at the 83rd Annual Monterey County Fair, which will be held Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019.

Monterey, CA, April 02, 2019 — Attention Monterey County! Show off your talents! Local performers and those who wish to showcase their talents for free are being sought to appear on the Community Stage at the 83rd Annual Monterey County Fair, which will be held Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019.

Are you a dancer, musician, singer, kickboxer, gymnast or other type of performer? Come on out and dazzle Monterey County at the upcoming Monterey County Fair! This year’s theme is “High Tides and Carnival Rides.”

Interested individuals and organizations are invited to apply online no later than Friday, June 28, 2019, at www.montereycountyfair.com. There you will find a “Community Act Performance Request Form” to fill out with your pertinent data, type of group, equipment needed, when you would like to perform, etc.

The schedule of performances is determined on a first-come, first-served basis with the deadline for receiving request forms by either fax, email or postal mail no later than June 28. The fair cannot guarantee the times requested, but will make every effort to fill your request.

The Monterey County Fair & Event Center is a premier event center set on 22 oak-studded acres. It is home of the annual Monterey County Fair, host to many major public and private events on the Central Coast, and the site of the Monterey Bay Race Place, a satellite wagering facility.

The Monterey County Fair is the 7th District Agricultural Association of the State of California. For more information, call (831) 372-5863 or check out the website, www.montereycountyfair.com.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.montereycountyfair.com

Young Dancer Chooses to Pay it Forward on her Birthday, In Lieu of Gifts, Making A Donation to Dance Kids of Monterey County

Dancer Alexa Julian could have chosen personal birthday gifts, which for a dancer usually means new leotards or tights, a dance bag or a new pair of pointe shoes.

Carmel, CA, March 12, 2019 — Dancer Alexa Julian could have chosen personal birthday gifts, which for a dancer usually means new leotards or tights, a dance bag or a new pair of pointe shoes. Instead, she chose to honor her birthday by honoring her first passion, dance.

Through personal notes and social media posts to friends and family, for her birthday, Julian requested donations to Dance Kids of Monterey County, a nonprofit youth theatrical organization that the 15-year-old has been dancing with for six years.

She was able to donate a check for $231 to Dance Kids. She has danced in Dance Kids’ renowned “Nutcracker” ballet since she was 9 years old. Her instructors/coaches have included Philip Pegler, Sandra Burnham, Ashley Rutherford and Amanda Casas.

Julian excels in jazz and contemporary styles of movement, yet her emphasis on classical ballet finds this otherwise typical teenager in the Carmel Academy of Performing Arts dance studios, seven days a week and often more than five hours a day.

One week before her birthday, Alexa placed second overall in her performance of classical ballet variation from the ballet, “Giselle” and the variation called the “third shade” from “La Bayadere,” a ballet first performed in 1877 in St. Petersburg, Russia with choreography by Marius Petipa. She placed in the top 12 for her contemporary dance “McQueen,” an homage to Alexander McQueen, the late British fashion designer and couturier in the House of Givenchy, at the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Competition.

She has been invited to participate in the final competition of YAGP in New York City. As many gifted young people must learn, life is a series of choices. Alexa also garnered a coveted space in the summer intensive at the Paris Opera Ballet as well as the International Ballet Master Classes, held at the Czech National Ballet in Prague. Paris and Prague have taken precedence over New York. She leaves midsummer for the dance intensives many only can dream of attending.

Although only 15 and a pre-professional dancer on her first steps to a career, she chose to honor an organization promoting the arts to young people and to help others, even on her special day!

About Dance Kids

With over 24 years of production history, Dance Kids of Monterey County, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization founded by Richmond, is proud of its wide range of theatrical experience that support the youth of the Monterey Peninsula. In the early days, productions at the Carmel Ballet Academy included “Nutcracker” and original spring musicals written by Walt de Faria and a full-length spring ballet, produced at Sunset Center.

Dance Kids was known for fun-loving nostalgia surrounding the musical and drew from the community a range of young people and their families committed to theater. As it grew, its little venue could not handle the “Nutcracker” any longer, but continued at the venue for the spring musicals, until those too, outgrew the dance studio. “Nutcracker” moved to Sunset Center in 1995 and has remained there as its home venue except for the years the center was being remodeled.

Dance Kids “Nutcracker” has grown into a premier production eagerly awaited by cast and community. The original vision of Dance Kids of Monterey County has been honored as well as surpassed in the ensuing years. This year is one of pivotal change and growth.

Street Address:

Sunset Center, Cottage #17

San Carlos Street at 10th Ave.,

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 6225

Carmel, CA 93921

Phone: (831) 622-9008

Fax: (831) 218-1293

Email: info@dancekids.org

Website: dancekids.org

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.dancekids.org

Monterey County: The Ideal Place to find a New You in the New Year

Monterey County embodies the perfect backdrop to uncover a new, relaxed and inspired you in 2019.

Monterey, CA, January 16, 2019 – Monterey County embodies the perfect backdrop to uncover a new, relaxed and inspired you in 2019. The natural beauty of California’s Central Coast redwood forests, verdant valleys and sweeping, towering cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean will erase stress and inspires a new state of being.

“With plentiful offerings that will rejuvenate mind, body and soul, Monterey County is the ultimate destination for travelers to disconnect and focus on themselves in the New Year,” says Rob O’Keefe, Chief Marketing Officer for the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau (MCCVB). “From spas and meditation studios to hiking trails and literary sites, travelers will surely be relaxed and revitalizedafter a trip to Monterey County.”

Below are some ideas for the perfect new you escape to Monterey County:

The newest luxury resort in Marina, The Spa at Sanctuary Beach Resortleavesguests feeling refreshed and inspired with their range of custom treatments focusing on body care and total wellness. For ultimate pampering time, guests can indulge in the unique Salt Wood Spa RX treatment, a sea salt exfoliation using seasonally inspired salt blends to aid the body in releasing toxins while unveiling a healthy glow. For head to toe relaxation, The Spa at Sanctuary Beach Resort offersthe Pacific Ocean Body Treatment – a basalt stone face massage, mineral rich seaweed body mask and a full body massage.

To further cultivate and elevate well-being, consciousness and kindness, visit Monterey Bay Meditation Studio for a variety of movement, nature and relational meditation sessions, retreats and courses. Sessions are held on the beach, in the forest, by the river, and in meadows throughout Monterey County, as well as in their ocean-view studio in Pacific Grove. In 2019, the studio will be offering a Conscious Living Series, which includes several courses focusing on different aspects of incorporating mindfulness into daily life.

Among the rolling hills and sun-dappled vineyards of Carmel Valley, the Spa at Bernardus Lodge offers a variety of unique experiences for rejuvenation, inspiration and indulgence. With seasonal body treatments focusing on the solstices and equinoxes, the experiences integrate celestial reminders to take time for ourselves; reflect on the past, renew for the future and optimize balance.

Find inner peace at Refuge in Carmel – America’s first co-ed outdoor relaxation spa. This sanctuary is a wellness paradise offering the ultimate in relaxation through a three-step thermal cycle featuring a cedar sauna with Himalayan salt walls, eucalyptus infused steam rooms, cold plunges, and warm pools with thermal waterfalls. Repeated use of Refuge’s thermal cycle soothes aches and pains, speeds up metabolism, and enhances muscle recuperation– the perfect recipe for a new you.

More than 50 years ago, the Esalen Institute was founded as a retreat and educational center focused on creating a space where people could explore holistic approaches to wellness and personal transformation. Esalen attracts a worldwide network of teachers and seekers who look beyond dogma to explore deeper spiritual possibilities; forge new understandings of self and society; and pioneer new paths for change. Located in Big Sur, visitors can enjoy a plethora of experiences from moonlit baths in natural hot springs to unique forms of massage that focus on energy exchange and psychological well-being.

To expand the mind in the New Year, don’t miss out on some of Monterey’s most notable literary sites including the National Steinbeck Center in downtown Salinas, Robinson Jeffers’ Tor House in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Henry Miller Library in majestic Big Sur.

Visitors looking to reconnect with nature will discover the exquisite beauty of Monterey County’s great outdoors. Take a stroll or bike ride along the 18-mile scenic stretchof the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail from Castroville (also known as the “Artichoke Capital of the World”) in the North, to Pacific Grove in the South. Picnic on the white sands of Carmel Beach, hike through Fort Ord National Monumentor explore Pebble Beach’s gentle tide pools.

Learn how to unplug and discover mindfulness in beautiful Monterey Countyby uncoveringincredible, life changing, and enriching experiences. Additionally, Monterey County has become one of the country’s leaders in sustainable travel while offering unforgettable moments. Visitors are asked to practice responsible travel that will help minimize negative impacts to the environment, and preserve the cultural and natural resources of the destination. Visit responsibly and preserve the wonder of Monterey County on the beautiful California Central Coast in the New Year, and for years to come.

CONTACT:

Jessica Lessard, Monterey County CVB

(831) 657-6413; JLessard@SeeMonterey.com

ABOUT MONTEREY COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau (MCCVB) is a 501c6 non-profit destination marketing organization that drives tourism for Monterey County as a premier destination to leisure and business travelers. Tourism is the largest industry on the Monterey Peninsula and the second largest in the County. MCCVB is a partnership of the hospitality community and local governments that drives business growth through compelling marketing and targeted sales initiatives that maximize the benefits of tourism to our guests, members and the community. Travel spending in Monterey County was $2.85 billion in 2017, representing a 3.5 percent increase from 2016. Visitor spending supported 24,990 jobs, contributed $255 million in total taxes and generated $127 million local tax dollars that directly benefited the community.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.SeeMonterey.com

Schipper Design Grant Program Now Open to Monterey County, Santa Cruz County and San Benito County Nonprofit Agencies

San Juan Bautista-based Schipper Design is inviting nonprofit agencies in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties to apply for Creatives for Community grants.

San Juan Bautista, CA, December 25, 2018 — San Juan Bautista-based Schipper Design is inviting nonprofit agencies in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties to apply for Creatives for Community grants.

“As we approach our third year of Creatives for Community, we are excited by the response we have had in the past and the overall success of the program,” said Kathy Schipper, Creative Director of Schipper Design. “We want to encourage any and all non-profits to bring us your marketing or design opportunity for 2019. We look forward to the engagement year after year.”

Creatives for Community is the brainchild of Schipper and stems from years of collaboration with nonprofits and her firm belief that nonprofits are an essential part of a healthy community, and deserve to have marketing materials equal to their for-profit counterparts.

“Here at Schipper Design, when we set out to give back to the community, we play to our strengths,” said Schipper. “The Creatives for Community grant program is one way of helping our local communities by doing what we do best — design. I want to invite other creative agencies around the county to participate and offer grants as well.”

Over the past two years, 20+ nonprofits from Monterey County, Santa Cruz County and San Benito County applied for the grant. One nonprofit from each county was chosen — Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade, Homeless Services Center, and R.E.A.C.H. San Benito Parks Foundation were among some of the organizations selected.

In this yearly program, each nonprofit receives 30 hours of graphic design time and personalized attention from the design and account management staffs. Schipper takes the lead in creative direction, but otherwise steps aside, thus promoting leadership-building among the account managers and allowing for unique relationships to form between designers and the clients.

To apply for the Creatives for Community grant, applications open on Jan. 1, 2019, and closes Feb. 28. Send an email to info@schipperdesign.com to receive an application.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.schipperdesign.com

Monterey County Nonprofit Max’s Helping Paws Gives Holiday Hope to Families Who Can’t Afford Treatment for Pets Who Become Ill

To Heather, her dog Trigger is more than a companion, he’s her “gift from God” and a certified Emotional Support Animal (E.S.A). But even more than that, he’s a member of her family along with her husband and three kids.

Del Rey Oaks, CA, December 23, 2018 — To Heather, her dog Trigger is more than a companion, he’s her “gift from God” and a certified Emotional Support Animal (E.S.A). But even more than that, he’s a member of her family along with her husband and three kids.

Heather is a U.S. Navy veteran, a former mineman used to dealing with high explosives, and suffers from PTSD. Trigger helps her deal with everyday life as a PTSD sufferer. So when Trigger fell ill, with blood and vomiting, he was diagnosed with a multitude of conditions that needed to be addressed right away, Heather’s heart sank.

Heather and her family were faced with a very difficult decision. The family was not able to afford the necessary medical treatment for Trigger. Without treatment and surgery, he would surely die.

“It’s hard to imagine that you could lose a member of your family over not being able to afford a simple test that we as humans take for granted,” said Heather. “I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like if I didn’t have him in my life.”

Luckily, Pet Specialists of Monterey, one of 20 partners, graciously arranged to have Trigger receive assistance from Max’s Helping Paws Foundation (MHPF). Max’s Helping Paws Foundation is a Monterey County-based animal welfare organization that has actively given back to the community by helping more than 100 senior, low-income, veteran, disabled, disadvantaged and in-need responsible pet owners in the past 18 months.

Since its inception in mid-2017 it has awarded $75,000 in financial assistance to those needing it. Max’s Helping Paws is a financial lifeline for those desperate to save their dogs and cats from unexpected circumstance.

“We cannot express how much we appreciate all those that chipped in and came together to help him and us,” said Heather about Trigger’s last-minute reprieve. “I am so grateful for all the help we received. There was a point where I really felt we may have to say goodbye to Trigger. When I count my blessings at night, Max’s is at the top of the list.”

Today, Trigger is continuing a smooth and steady recovery. His gastro-intestinal complications have almost completely resolved and his skin improved just in a few days of medication. Trigger is also back to climbing up on his owners bed to snuggle with his best friend, the family’s 8-month-old son Wesley and even getting back into the habit of begging for a ride in the car when he hears anyone grab the car keys.”

But other dogs and cats may not be so lucky, their owners are constantly faced with decisions that no pet owner wants to face.

“These are my babies, I don’t have kids. I think about their own happiness before my own. I’d go homeless before I’d get rid of her,” said one, Sarah. “We wouldn’t amputate his arm — he’s so young. I considered putting him up for adoption,” said another.

“To see pets suffer, or to see pet owners consider euthanasia or surrender because of financial circumstance is heartbreaking,” said Dyana Klein, executive director and co-founder of Max’s Helping Paws Foundation with her husband, a veterinary internist. “With your help, we can keep families together and keep giving deserving Monterey County pets an incredible gift.”

This year, Max’s is also part of Monterey County Gives fundraising campaign.

For every dollar given to Max’s Helping Paws through MC Gives!, a prorated match is applied to the first $75,000 the organization raises during the MC Gives! campaign, which runs through Dec. 31. And every dollar counts:

>$100 can provide medications for a pet in need.

>$300 can pay for critical blood/lab work.

>$500 can pay for biopsies and diagnostics to determine if a pet has a chance.

>$1,000 can provide initial treatment of chronic illnesses, including diabetes, Cushing’s, Addison’s, asthma and some cancers.

>$2,000 can provide a life-saving amputation or surgery.

A generous donation to Max’s through MC Gives! allows Max’s to continue to help families from having to make difficult decisions and save their pets from an awful fate.

To donate, go to the MC Gives! website at www.montereycountygives.com/PAWS. To be accepted as part of Monterey County Gives!, all checks from donors must be made payable to CFMC/MCGives!, and include instructions that it is a donation for Max’s Helping Paws Foundation, either in the memo line or on a separate piece of paper.

About Max’s Helping Paws Foundation

Maximillian was co-founder Dyana Klein’s 14-year old Miniature Pinscher, who passed away on May 27, 2016, from a rare kidney cancer. While grieving the loss, she and her husband found comfort in knowing they did everything medically possible to try to save Max’s life, though ultimately the war was lost. What they realized was just how important it was to know that no stone was left unturned, and they imagined the guilt and heartbreak for those who might have to allow their pets to suffer, or may need to euthanize or surrender them because of financial circumstances. Wanting to do something meaningful, and honor Max’s memory in a way that would help them heal while helping others, Max’s Helping Paws was born. Max’s Helping Paws provides a financial lifeline for responsible Monterey County pet owners with a pet in a health crisis.ll

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.montereycountygives.com/

Hofsas House Hotel family celebrates spring with its Ninth Annual Fundraiser for the Food Bank For Monterey County on Thursday, March 28th, 2019

Savor appetizers from local chefs including La Balena/Il Grillo, Chef Annie Hobbs from A Taste of Elegance, Chef Soerke Peters from Etats-Unis, and Terry Teplitzky from Michael’s Catering/Wild Thyme Deli & Cafe!

Carmel, CA, December 21, 2018 – Savor appetizers from local chefs including La Balena/Il Grillo, Chef Annie Hobbs from A Taste of Elegance, Chef Soerke Peters from Etats-Unis, and Terry Teplitzky from Michael’s Catering/Wild Thyme Deli & Cafe! Enjoy a sweet treat from Lula’s Chocolates and Sweet Elena’s. Sip a glass of award winning wine from Scheid Vineyards, or some of Carmel Craft Brewing Company’s signature beer. Listen to the sounds of stringed instruments of Terrence Farrell. Support the Food Bank For Monterey County!

Where: Hofsas House at San Carlos & 4th Ave.,Carmel-by-the-Sea poolside!

When: Thursday, March 28th, 2019 Time:5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Cost:$55 per person,

100% of the money raised will go to the Food Bank For Monterey County. Reservations: Limited reservations available. Call Carrie at the Hofsas House (831) 624-2745 to make a reservation.

All proceeds benefit the Food Bank For Monterey County. Donations allowed without your presence. The Food Bank for Monterey County, a certified Feeding America food bank, is the largest supplier of emergency food in Monterey County. We distribute 6 million pounds of food annually. The national image of our area is one of wealth and beauty. Yet poverty and food insecurity exist in the “Salad Bowl of the World.” The challenge is great and we strive to meet it on a daily basis.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://www.hofsashouse.com/