As many of you know, I have been volunteering this past year at the Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest and have come to know and care about these seven rescued chimps… Annie, Burrito, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy, and Negra. 

 

In honor of their First Anniversary at the sanctuary, June 13^th, the volunteers and caregivers are trying to collectively raise $7,000 to help with the continual care and enrichment that has given these chimpanzees their first year of freedom after decades of being used for biomedical research while living in small cages in a windowless basement.

 

One of my favorite volunteer duties at the sanctuary is cooking the chimp’s dinner. Some of you have asked me about their diets and habits – and have been amused when learning specifics such as Burrito’s love of spaghetti or that Jamie sometimes “asks” for a spoon to eat from her bowl. It is always a treat for me to hear the “pant-hoots” and “food grunts” as a dinner I have prepared for them is being served. 

 

I realize it has been a financially challenging year for all of us – and that with so many needy causes – it is difficult to select which to support. With that in mind, I came up with the idea of “Dining-in for the Chimps” – as a way to say thank you for supporting my cause and helping me to reach my fundraising goal. 

 

For anyone who makes a donation through my fundraising page by June 8^th I will deliver to your home, during the week of the chimp’s first anniversary, a 4-course meal – including an appetizer, pasta main course, salad and dessert. (All recipes have been tested and approved by both the chimps and the staff at CSNW!) 

 

You might also consider making a donation and "regift" your dinner… a great way to help someone special or as a thank you to a friend or colleague with the extra benefit of supporting a worthy cause. (Delivery in Seattle only – but arrangements can be made for pick-up if you wish to take the meal yourself.)

 

I hope you will consider making a donation and enjoy a summer evening “dining-in”... toasting to the Cle Elum Seven!

 

Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.

Pam Lehnert

For more pictures and videos of the chimps check out the CSNW blog: www.chimpsanctuarynw.org/blog - and be sure to read the May 17th posting about my fundraising effort!