San Diego music students Aria Chan, Natalie Yu, Olivia Lee and Connor Su with Olivia’s mom Emily Fang pose for a photo alongside Claire Andrews, Assistant Manager of Instruction, and alpacas Kuzco and Kronk!
A unique performance took place at Helen Woodward Animal Center this weekend as an ensemble of four Orchestra students, Aria Chan, Natalie Yu, Olivia Lee and Connor Su along with Olivia’s mom Emily Fang, serenaded the Center’s barnyard education animals. The Concert was a capstone to their charitable efforts – as the students have been performing at the Poway Farmers Market for weeks, and raised $700 to put towards the life-saving pet adoption efforts underway at the Center. The talented animal-lovers have been enrolled in the Center’s summer camp and “You Can Be A Veterinarian Camp,” – which inspired them to use their skills with strings to give back.
Students presented their donation to Kendall Schulz, Adoption Service Director, and Katrina Cauzza, Animal Services Manager.
Among the ensemble is 5th grader Olivia Lee, an award-winning cello player and member of the Formosa Family Chamber Music Group who has been playing the instrument since she was just 6-years-old. Now 11, Olivia has had two birthday parties at the Center, and with all that she has learned about animals during her time here, she aspires to one day become a veterinarian. Her friend and fellow performer Natalie Yu also shares a love for animals.
“I love animals and want to help cats and dogs find new homes,” said Natalie, “Last summer, I went to the Helen Woodward summer camp and veterinarian camp. I really enjoyed seeing all of the animals. I am very happy to donate to Helen Woodward Animal Center. I performed piano at the Poway Farmers Market on Saturdays to raise money for cats and dogs. In total, we raised $700. I hope that using this money, you will be able to help cats and dogs live a better, more enjoyable life.”
Students performed at Poway Farmers Market to raise donations for the Center’s pet adoption program.
Their contribution is proof that you can never be too young to be philanthropic. The group presented a large check for photos and after playing a 20-minute set with cellos and an electric keyboard for barnyard education animals they have come to know and love while attending the Center’s animal education programs.
To learn more about the Center’s Humane Education programs, which are open to all school-aged children and instill compassion for animals, go to animalcenter.org/education. To view pets currently up for adoption at the Center, go to animalcenter.org/adopt. To make a charitable contribution, visit animalcenter.org/donate.