Valley Raised Money For Kids And Animals In Need

People in the valley spend a sunny Sunday donating to two causes everyone loves: little children and animals.

“We said let’s put the therapy animals and the special needs children together to showcase to the community how special these animals are to our special needs children,” Greg Wetmore, from the Inland Empire United Cerebral Palsy, said.

“Paws for a cause” made its desert debut. Animal Samaritans and United Cerebral Palsy paired to raise money for the charities, which organizers say have a common thread.

“Animals are very instrumental in people’s psychological and physical health, including the children with cerebral palsy,” Fred Saunders from Animal Samaritans SPCA said.

“It’s pretty incredible and special and we’re lucky to be a part of it,” Paula Brooks, who has a daughter with cerebral palsy, said.

Paula Brooks and her family proudly support their daughter, Laura Brooks.

“With my Girl Scouts, I went on a trip to Channel 3,” Laura Brooks said.

“She was born with cerebral palsy, not without it’s challenges, but we’re reaping the rewards now. Lots of therapy to get her to walk. She’s walking with a walker and she’s going to therapy on a weekly basis now,” Paula Brooks said.

Silent and live auctions and also event tickets raised money for the kids and pups. People say both groups deserve every penny.

“We have been cut by the state significantly for our after school programs. We used to have five. Completely cut those programs out so we’re only able to run two,” Wetmore said.

“I think it is so important. You see them going into hospitals, too. I can’t imagine how wonderful it would be to be in the hospital and have an animal come and visit you,” animal lover Laine Floan said.

“These kids really need a lot of assistance and help and it’s great,” Paula Brooks said.

“I’m brave and I never give up,” Laura Brooks added.

With a supportive valley backing her and others in need, she’s a force to be reckoned with.