By DeAnn Lubell and Kathy Strong
Photos provided by Amy’s Purpose, Inc
Get your tickets as soon as possible for an early evening of fun and mingling at the Amy’s Purpose third Annual Mixer at Willie’s Modern Fare Restaurant in Rancho Mirage from 4:30-6:30. This gives you time to catch another event or movie. At 5:30 we are honoring Jaimi Houston on behalf of Jackie Lee and The Houston Family Foundation for their charitable contributions and support of the many nonprofits in our community, including Amy’s Purpose. Tickets are only $55, which includes heavy (no mess around) delicious appetizers, wine, and beer.
How did Amy’s Purpose come about?
It was like any other beautiful high desert morning for author DeAnn Lubell. Relaxing on her patio with her beloved dogs, she had left for scant seconds to go inside and grab a cup of tea. She immediately sensed something ominous. She raced outside just in time to see three large coyotes standing over the lifeless body of her precious “soul dog” Amy.
DeAnn, her husband, Jeffrey Clarke, and daughter Tanya Yee, were determined to turn grief and tears into something positive. A new nonprofit would soon emerge. DeAnn knew Amy’s loss had to have a bigger purpose, leading her to create Amy’s Purpose, Inc. with a mission to do everything possible to prevent similar pet loss tragedies. Her passionate quest inspired a fierce crusade for pet safety and welfare that the community has enthusiastically embraced.
“Since we began Amy’s Purpose four years ago, the nonprofit has grown quickly. The reaction from the low and high desert regions has been overwhelming. We are saving pets’ lives due to our mission to educate residents about predators that live among us,” related Lubell. “I hear heartwarming stories all the time that prove our mission is working, such as one lady who truly feels that if not for our ‘beware of predator’s mission’, her little dog would have been lost. She was on a walk armed with attack spray that we recommend on our website in case of a wild predator or loose dog attack. Coyotes soon surrounded both her and her little dog. Using the spray, she and her dog escaped to safety.”
This legacy of love has echoed far beyond Amy’s tragic passing in its growing mission to prevent countless others from suffering similar tragic losses. Amy’s Purpose’s main purpose is a mission-based education service dedicated to predator awareness by promoting safety information to help protect our beloved pets. The organization also provides student veterinary assistance scholarships to help rectify our local emergency veterinarian care crisis.
In 2022, Amy’s Purpose partnered with PaCE, a Partnership and Community Education program at the College of the Desert due to the efforts of famed journalist Bruce Fessier. Since then, Amy’s Purpose has awarded 27 scholarships to local high school graduates and individuals interested in animal health sciences. Not only is Amy’s Purpose saving the lives of pets but, because of its successful scholarship program, it is enhancing the lives of humans.
“The scholarship program has been very popular and successful,” said Susan Francis, Amy’s Purpose board member who oversees the scholarship program. “Amy’s scholarships help all our valley’s animal populations while benefitting many local students.”
One recent graduate of Amy’s Veterinary Assistant scholarship program, Daniela Sanchez Rojo, is now a vet assistant at a La Quinta pet clinic where she did her externship. “I have known since I was little that I wanted to be a veterinarian one day,” said Rojo. “I moved here from Mexico and could not afford the class, but my aunt learned about Amy’s scholarship. I was so excited when I was chosen. My co-workers at the clinic are helping me to continue with my dream. I am so grateful to Amy’s Purpose.”
The March 3rd event is purely social with a small program. It is a perfect way to spend an early evening mingling with old friends and making new ones. Enjoy others who love animals. Desert-casual and fun.
You won’t want to miss our in-house jewelry vendor, Alexis Hunter, selling her gorgeous one-of-a-kind wearable art including Amy’s Purpose custom “bling” paw-print bracelets.
If you are still hungry, stay for dinner at Willie’s Modern Fare for a memorable gourmet meal.
To buy your Third Annual Amy’s Purpose Mixer tickets go to www.amyspurpose.net or call 760-220-8713
There are myriad ways to get involved, become an Amy’s Angel, and support Amy’s Purpose. Learn more at www.amyspurpose.net.
