Lisa Baxter has handled the procurement for our annual fall auction for at least nine years now. It is a year round job. She often puts in close to 400 hours a year handling this big important job for Furry Friends. Here is a little about Lisa in her own words.

“How I got involved: My son needed a senior project for high school.  One of the staff members in the school office, mentioned Furry Friends. That began in May of 2010 and he still volunteers today, when he has time available. That was my introduction to Furry Friends.  I was intrigued by the dedication and caring of the volunteers and wanted to help. This is my forth year on the Dinner Auction Committee.

Why I give back: I began volunteering in High School, as a candy striper. If you look around, there is a lack of resources everywhere you turn. The only way to fill those resources is through volunteers.  I want to a part of an organization that makes a difference.  Furry Friends is that organization.  Furry Friends is an organization that is truly dedicated the cats and kittens they take in. They have a proven track record of longevity in this community that fills a need for animals and people alike.

Proudest moment as a volunteer: Gosh, there are so many!  I work our annual auction each year. Although last year and this year will be on-line, it is still exciting to see what donations we receive and even more interesting to figure out how to bundle smaller items into a package that makes sense!  It takes a lot of hours to prepare for the auction, but so rewarding to see the revenue generated, for the kitties. One moment that stands out from last year, was bringing in kittens that would be adopted.  A friend of a friend took in his neighbors abused cat, only to find out she was pregnant.  She had 5 kittens.  He was able to find homes for 2 of the 5 kittens, but not the remaining three.  Jaimie Garver to the rescue! I emailed her and she said, bring them on in and we will find them homes.  The man taking care of the kittens drove them in from Long Beach and even made a $200.00 donation to pay for the kittens shots and whatever else they needed!  That warmed my heart.

What local challenge or issue are you most passionate about? We live in a disposable society.  Be it natural resources, people, animals, etc.  It breaks my heart to drive along a street and see all the trash on the side of the road, or a pet that has been abandoned, the mentally ill living in the street.  I’m not sure how to solve it all, but if I can make a small difference and hope to be an example to someone else, then maybe that someone else will want to make a difference as well.

Just for fun: What are your hidden talents, hobbies or interests?  For fun and relaxation I enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, sewing and crocheting.

What is your favorite part about volunteering for Furry Friends? All of it. But since I work the annual Dinner Auction, it is seeing how much everyone enjoys our annual auction and how excited they are when they win the item they have been bidding on that evening.

Do you have any pets at home? Three. Two are Furry Friends rescue kittens (Sam and Tucker) and a 3-and-a-half-year-old Golden retriever named Willow.  She is actually our grand dog.

Do you have a job outside of Furry Friends? If so, what do you do? Sales for a large international computer company.