An Encino boy collected $640 dollars from his puppy-themed birthday party on December 8 th, but instead of going out to buy the latest, hottest toy with the money, he donated it all to New Leash On Life Animal Rescue.
Daniel Jacobs, 10, decided to donate his birthday loot when his father and mother, Michael and Patti, realized that in inviting all 40 of his classroom friends, Daniel would get a lot more gifts than they felt he really needed.
"I thought about 40 kids walking in with 40 presents and thought maybe we can find a good charity," Patti said. So, as a family, they all decided to give to a charity which benefits something close to Daniel's heart - dogs. They did some research and fell in love with New Leash On Life.
Daniel, with his Mom, Dad and Brother presented the donation to New Leash On Life during their Holiday Winter Roverland Open House which took place December 16 at their 13-acre Newhall-based Education, Rehabilitation and Adoption (E.R.A.) Center and treated visitors and their dogs to door prizes, raffles, a silent auction, pictures with Santa, and low-cost vaccinations, micro-chipping, and wellness exams by Dr. Rick Garcia of Paws and Claws Mobile Vet.
Despite the rainy weather, close to 100 people showed throughout the day, touring the facilities, meeting the rescued dogs and simply celebrating the holidays with New Leash On Life.
"I was pleased to see so many people brave the weather for our first annual Open House and for our neighbors to see what work we do," said Mark Kaufman, Executive Director of New Leash On Life. "I look forward to next year - with more sunshine - to showcase our programs and most importantly, our dogs."
New Leash On Life officials were very impressed with Daniel and his donation and could not stop singing his praises. Kaufman continues: "Daniel's generosity typifies and exemplifies what is best within each of us."