Someplace Special
There is always something special happening at Poplar Spring. The Sanctuary hosted many tours throughout the year, and educated thousands of visitors about the plight of farm animals and wildlife. More than 100 rehabilitated animals, including ducks, geese, squirrels, groundhogs, and opossums were released on the Sanctuary's protected grounds, and several new chickens, guinea hens, goats, and cows were rescued. (Read a recent rescue story.) Here are a few highlights from the past year:
For the third year, working with the Washington Humane Society's humane education program, the Sanctuary offered tours and educated dozens of children from Birney Elementary School in Anacostia, and other D.C. public schools. The students were given classroom lectures on being kind to animals, then visited Poplar Spring as the culmination of their course. For many of them, it was their first time up close with a cow!
| |
 |
 |
Joey the steer helps teach kindness to animals. |
| |
In October, PSAS held our third annual Open House and Fundraiser. The weather was beautiful, and over 600 old and new friends came out in force to support the Sanctuary and enjoy the friendly animals, delicious food and drinks by Thyme Square and Honest Tea, a silent auction, and great live music by Dave Kitchen and the Demolition. This year we were honored to have John Robbins, author of Diet for a New America, as our keynote speaker. John gave a very inspirational talk, and demonstrated with our own Alice the turkey how our instinct is to pet, and not eat, other animals. Candy Cane the clown once again entertained the children and adults, and thanks to everyone's wonderful generosity, an amazing $33,000 was raised for the rescued animals. A huge thanks to all the businesses and volunteers who donated items, time, and talent, and to all the generous friends and supporters who helped make this day a great success!
| |
 |
|
John Robbins speaks at third annual Open House.
Photo: Tom Kucsera |
| |
In November PSAS and PIGS, A Sanctuary, co-hosted our annual Thanksgiving celebration with the Turkeys. One large barn was borrowed from the cows for the day, and everyone was invited for our delicious vegan potluck. Alice and Ann Marie the turkeys were the guests of honor, (Olivia the turkey was busy laying an egg!). Despite the cold weather we had a great turnout, and turkeys and humans enjoyed sampling all the wonderful dishes.
| |
 |
|
Ann Marie the turkey samples Thanksgiving buffet.
Photo: Marie Gleason |
| |
After receiving a classroom presentation and touring the Sanctuary last Fall, thirty-one first graders at Sandy Spring Friends School recently decided to help the rescued animals in a huge way, and presented Poplar Spring with funds totaling over $3,200. This amazing amount was raised by holding a sponsored 'spell-a-thon' organized by teacher and PSAS dedicated volunteer, Linda Reese. Great job, everyone!
| |
 |
|
First graders at Sandy Spring Friends School present funds raised for Poplar Spring.
|
| |
The holidays were a time for the animals to celebrate, too, thanks to the fabulous holiday party hosted by Jon Lovvorn, Marianne Merritt, Nancy Perry, and Kirsten Rosenberg. Guests enjoyed feasting on delicious vegan sweets and eggless SilkNog, had a great time dancing and chatting with "Santa", and contributed over $2,700 to benefit the rescued animals.
|
