Celebrating philanthropy

Every once in a while, news events synchronize just perfectly with one of our special issues. For instance, this is the CN&R’s annual Pet Issue. So, when I got word that Shelly Rogers, local pet foster parent extraordinaire, had been chosen as one of 50 All-Star Foster volunteers in the nation last week by the Petco Foundation, the timing couldn’t have been much better.

The CN&R highlighted Rogers last November in our annual nod to Local Heroes, people who go out of their way to better their community (see “Local heroes 2017,” Nov. 23). Her most noted accomplishments: fostering over 60 animals for the Chico Animal Shelter (which nominated her for the Petco honor) since 2012, including offering “fospice” care—aka, providing a loving, comforting environment for dying animals.

I can’t quite fathom having emotional strength enough to do what Rogers does. She more than deserves the $150 Petco gift card that came along with the All-Star Foster honor. Obviously, though, she’s not in it for the money or the recognition but for her love of animals. Our lost and abandoned pets sleep a little easier because of people like her.

Chipping in It seems it’s the time of year when big corporations give back. Another recipient? The Community Housing Improvement Program (aka CHIP). Just last month, Bank of America Charitable Foundation awarded the Chico-based nonprofit that builds affordable housing throughout the North State with $25,000 in grant funding for financial literacy programs. The goal is to help low-income residents build stable financial futures. Classes will include topics like budgeting, computer training, shopping advice and cooking tutorials.

New ownership When CN&R Editor Melissa Daugherty told me the other day that Cool Kidz Cuts had shut its doors, she did so regretfully. That was the only place in town that catered specifically to cutting children’s hair, she said, and the stylists there were not only good with typical kids but many of them were adept at working with those with special needs.

I decided to look into the matter and am happy to report that the business was purchased and is expected to reopen in time for those back-to-school haircuts. I spoke via Facebook messenger with the new owner, Tammie Harvey, who said she was a happy customer of Cool Kidz Cuts when she heard it was closing. “I could not let this awesome business die and I hope to make some awesome improvements as well,” she said. Harvey also owns Tall Adventures Childcare.

Do your part For some kids, back-to-school shopping is much less fun than for others. From now through Aug. 17, you can do your part by donating a backpack or other supplies for Chico Unified School District students to the Chico Mall office.