Community support results in record-breaking fundraiser for PPI

By Nicole Rivard

Primarily Primates (PPI), the sanctuary that Friends of Animals has been managing in San Antonio, Texas, since 2007, made history this month when it held its most successful fundraiser to date, raising $13,000. The dinner and silent auction event took place at Green Vegetarian Cuisine at the Pearl Brewery location in San Antonio.

“This year’s ‘Hoedown’ was our biggest, most successful fundraiser ever,” said Dustin Rhodes, development director for Friends of Animals. “Kaz, Brooke and Joseph, and so many lovely volunteers, put together a spectacular evening of delicious food, music, dancing and learning about Primarily Primates’ life-saving work. All of the money from ‘Hoedown’ goes for the life-long care of our 400 plus residents who call Primarily Primates home. We’re so grateful to members of the San Antonio community, who came out to show so much love for the sanctuary.” 

Kaz Sephton, community relations director for PPI and manager of Monkey Business Thrift Shop in Boerne, Texas, pointed out that 145 attendees enjoyed vegan food and bid on 67 silent auction items while enjoying a wonderful Bluegrass band.

“The crowd spilled outdoors and the weather was beautiful. People even came from Houston and one fellow won an original painting of Jason, a chimp at PPI, for $600.  It was painted by local Charles Ingram, especially for our event.”

“We are grateful for the community’s kindness in helping Primarily Primates provide the animals a wonderful life; their support makes all the difference,” added Brooke Chavez, executive director. “Thank you to all of our selfless volunteers, without you, this special day would not have been possible.”