Ape Aware and Gorilla Haven

Hello. Today I am going to talk about 2 organizations that are very heartfelt that I support:

The first is a web page that my friend, James, created. Called Ape Aware.
It was very exciting to hear that there was another 11 year old doing similar things, so we decided to work together to accomplish even greater things. I encourage you to sign his guestbook, and sponsor him for BOWLING FOR APES, held by the Great Ape Trust of Iowa.

The second organization is Gorilla Haven
It is run by a woman named Jane Dewar. The purpose of Gorilla Haven is to provide zoo gorillas in need a safe home.Their great mission statement is To help make every captive gorilla's life as enriched and natural as possible through husbandry and research and to promote education about gorilla conservation in zoos and the wild.
They have two gorillas: Joe and Oliver. They seem very sweet. You can see pictures, videos, and read more about them on their website.

They have something called the "Silverback award" I wanted to share with you:
If you have a favorite gorilla you’d like to see recognized here, send an email explaining your reasons why your gorilla should be acknowledged and we’ll add them to our list! It doesn’t have to be a silverback – it can be any gorilla of any age or gender – who has made your life more rich to know them a bit!

I suggest some of you check this out more - on the Gorilla Haven site, and take part! Support the amazing!

Jane,gorillas, and James!

Meeting Jane Goodall was one of the best times of my life....

James Brooks, and I, were patiently waiting to speak. Through the tent we could see her! "Look, oh, It's Jane!" I was so nervous, and excited. I could finally meet the person I look to most...Dr. Jane Goodall!"

I spoke to her (and 300 youth) about KSA, and the projects we've done. We gave her a Kids Save Apes t-shirt, and got to take pictures (see left) of us, and her. You see the monkey? (yes, it's a monkey not a chimp!) That is Mr. H. He has traveled with Jane all over the world. You can purchase Mr. H-JR. by following Mr H,Jr. (see left,below!)
Jane was probably the nicest person I've ever met. She is so nice...you forget she is famous! She is famous for all of the wonderful things she's done..for all of us.

After the fair (the best thing that's ever happened!), James and I went to the Franklin Park Zoo, in Boston.

Tip: If you ever want an ape to come up to you, put your back against the glass, and don't look until he trusts you! Some great things can happen...
Anyways, If you ever get invited to meet Jane Goodall, DO NOT TURN IT DOWN! You won't EVER regret it!-H.Stern

Fundraiser Update

Right: The VT members of KSA. Left to right: Quincy P., Gwen S., Haley S., Olivia "Olive" H.
Recently, we had a fundraiser in Burlington VT for ape awareness. It went really well- raising $260 in total.

KSA T-shirts, Jewelry, Macaroons, Brownies, Postcards, Books and much more (even a stability ball!) were sold...thanks to the following donors:

Jodi Whalen
Phil Merrick
Elisabeth H.
Pat Halverson
Bob Halverson
Marion Hopkins
George Hopkins
Roger Stern
Rhoda Stern
Lisa Hopkins
Philip D. Stern

Thanks to all of them, and our youth volunteers :
Olivia Hoh
Caleb Hoh
Gwendolyn Sands
Quincy Pippa
Haley Stern (of course! it's me!)

PREVIEW FOR NEXT BLOG: Talking to Jane
President Haley Stern and Co-President James Brooks meet Jane Goodall in Boston......