Board of Directors
President:
Virginia Tillmannshofer
Vice President:
Richard Waxman
Founder, Executive Dir. “Paws & Hearts”
Secretary / Treasurer:
Danielle Barton,
Branch Retail Executive
BBVA Compass Bank
Jack Poyfair, LVN
Executive Director
Vista Cove at Rancho Mirage
Debbie Divac
Dir. Bus. Development
Windsor Court
We are half-way through our 10th year now, and while each year brings some changes and some new challenges this year has brought us both, coupled with the enthusiasm and excitement of an entirely new board of directors.
For those of you volunteers, donors and patrons who read the newsletters and know the workings of the organization, you are aware of the changes to our board. The previous board was terrific and I will always be indebted to all the members who worked so tirelessly to make “Paws & Hearts” such a success. As Eldon, our organizations consultant has told me, board members are the same as volunteers and they have a life span, so to the new board thank you for your commitment to
“Paws & Hearts.” I am eager to hear your ideas and suggestions!
As always, we have been inundated with new volunteers. I’ve met some of the most delightful canines and am happy to have them out in the community representing the organization as our newest Canine Ambassadors!
Richard Waxman
- Halloween Dog Costume Party
Vista Cove at Rancho Mirage
Saturday, October 30, 10 am
- 10th Annual Dog Walk Fund-Raiser
Saturday, December 4th, 2010
Westin Mission Hills Resort
Registration 9am, walk at 10am
As I sit here with my paws on the keyboard, I am looking at the calendar and see that my 11th birthday is coming up on July 4th. Dad found me on that very special day 11 years ago after I’d been abandoned. I had no idea when I jumped into his arms that I’d be working for the rest of my life. Sheesh this guy is a slave driver!
All kidding aside, going on visits to Eisenhower Medical Center, and the Lucy Curci Cancer Center and making presentations around the valley are just wonderful. “Scruffy” and I truly love visiting with patients and talking about the program.
We had the nicest visit in a room this morning in the Renker Pavilion at Eisenhower. We came upon a patient and her visiting friend, both of whom had been patients at Lucy Curci. These women went on and on about what a wonderful program
“Paws & Hearts” is and how grateful they were to spend time with the dogs as they awaited their radiation treatments.
The women named each and every dog they interacted with and their words of praise made Dad so very proud. I think he really enjoyed the positive feedback for all of his efforts over the years.
Once again, the three of us left Eisenhower feeling as though we’d done some good and made a few more patients happier than when we first met!
"Lucky” Waxman"
Introducing our New Board of Directors
Board President--Virginia Tillmannshofer, “Ginny” has been a volunteer and board member almost since the dawn of “Paws & Hearts” and she has graciously accepted the position of Board President. Ginny has always been full of good ideas at board meetings over the years and her insight has been invaluable. She has continuously been a donor of the three t’s: time, talent, and treasure. Her talent is definitely her ability to make our Dog Walk raffles so successful. All of those wonderful gift baskets have been created by Ginny and we are eternally grateful to her for undertaking that assignment! Now for the really hard work…………
Vice President--Richard Waxman, Okay, you all know about me, so no explanation is really necessary here. For years I was the board secretary, and I’ve just been moved up the list!
Secretary/Treasurer--Danielle Barton, Branch Retail Executive, BBVA Compass Bank. Danielle has been our bank manager for a few years now and has always been incredibly professional to work with. Danielle let us put our collection jars at all the teller’s windows, and she has helped us out with fund-raising and ideas from the start of our association. Who better to be the board treasurer than our banker!
Jack Poyfair--LVN, Executive Director Vista Cove at Rancho Mirage. Jack is one of those wonderful directors of a long-term facility who is very community minded. Jack’s staff at Vista Cove is second to none and he has always been a strong supporter of “Paws & Hearts.” For four years now Jack has hosted our Annual Halloween Dog Costume Party and our Volunteer Appreciation luncheons, and now that he is on he board he can do more to guide our organization.
Debbie Divac--Director Business Development, Windsor Court. Debbie has long been a strong supporter of our group. Years ago when she was at Wellington Place and “Paws & Hearts” was just starting out Debbie offered us her facility for our volunteer events. Debbie has always been a great sounding board and is full of infectious enthusiasm. We are delighted she has joined the board.
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Volunteer Co-Ordinator--Drew Marefos. “Uncle Drew” to the boys has been around for almost three years now and in that time Drew has learned how to make presentations, do visits at Eisenhower Medical Center and the Lucy Curci Cancer Center and is always a big help at the Annual Dog Walk. Drew’s 33 years as an Executive at Chevron and his years with various non-profits in the Bay Area have been instrumental in helping out with the day to day running of the organization.
Mark your calendars for the
10th Annual Dog Walk,
Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010 !
Register for the "Paws & Hearts"
10th Annual Dog Walk Fundraiser now by clicking on the image below.
So please mark your calendars for our
10th Annual Dog Walk
Saturday, December 4th, 2010
Registration begins at 9am, walk at 10am.
Comprehensive Cancer Center at
Desert Regional Medical Center
To help support the Canine Ambassadors, who comfort patients each week at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional Medical Center, employees held two Jeans’ Days. Staff could wear jeans to work for a $5.00 donation to “Paws & Hearts.” Here Richard Waxman, “Lucky” and “Scruffy” accept the proceeds from Teresa Whipple, Vice President—Executive Director at the Comprehensive Cancer Center. Over $400.00 was raised!
Each and every week for the past three years Joe and his two Standard Poodles, “Bob” and “Zoso” visit in the waiting rooms at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.
Patients and staff have emailed and phoned and told us repeatedly what a difference it makes to them to spend some time with the dogs when they visit. Visiting with “Bob” and “Zoso” gives the patients something else to focus on besides the treatments and always brings a big smile to everyone’s face!Thank you Joe, “Bob” & “Zoso” for being such loyal volunteers!
Volunteer Stories
A few of our readers have asked where our Volunteer Stories come from. Our volunteer teams visit their assigned facility each and every week and part of their commitment is to email into our office a weekly report, complete with their visitation story. Some day, these stories along with photographs should be turned into a book because the stories are heart-warming and the patients/clients we visit truly treasure their weekly visit.Martha’s Village & Kitchen Kay & “Bennie”:
Really fun day! All the children were very happy to see “Bennie”. Several of the children who are more reserved with “Bennie” were very happy to see him and very comfortable around him. One little boy who is afraid of “Bennie” had begun to walk him and hug him and even give him cookies!Monterey Palms Heath Care Carol & “Sophie”:
This being our first time, I think it was quite successful! “Sophie” was happy to see the residents, kissing and licking them. She let the residents pet her and all in all I was pleased with “Sophie’s” demeanor, and I think that she will get even better as time goes on. I was happy to see the smiles on the resident’s faces. That was our reward!California Nursing & Rehabilitation Monty “Pride” & “Joy”:
Today was a very upbeat day! Everybody we saw, both new and previous friends, were so happy to see us. We saw our friend Joy first who had an operation last week. She said she had been feeling down and seeing “Pride” and “Joy” lifted her spirits. We met Joe who had a knee replacement, saw Dorothy and Ruth who are two of our biggest fans. We meet three ladies who were all in one room and they were all dog lovers. The girls are really getting the hang of this. Once I put on their bandannas they know what we are doing. Their Dad is having a ball too!Country Villa Rancho Mirage Healthcare Karen & “Waldo”:
Busy day and we ran into several of the patients we met last week who were either in the midst of rehab., in the lobby, or wheeling down the halls. They were all delighted to have us return. Lots of lap dances especially with a group of women lined up in their chairs waiting for their meds. Cheryl full of giggles and now loves to hold my hand. Eva didn’t want “Waldo” to leave her lap. Met many new patients, all wanting our return next Sunday. Another good visit day, well spent!
We very much enjoyed the feedback we received from our readers who enjoyed reading what the facilities had to say about our Canine Ambassadors. We’d like to hear from all the facilities and all the Activities Directors so that we can print your stories. Please feel free to email
or fax in your thoughts!