Celebrities of Big Cat Rescue
Meet
Bo Derek at the 2007 Fur Ball. More HERE.
Running on the beach in the 1979 smash hit “10,” Bo Derek entered American pop culture and became the standard for the “perfect 10 beauty.” More than 25 years later, she has proven that beauty goes even deeper, devoting her time to caring for other people and animals alike.
Her concern for animals led Ms. Derek to create Bless the Beasts, a line
of pet products sold in stores nationwide. A true humanitarian, she donates
a portion of all sales to Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit
organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing
them with highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support.
Her strong compassion for people with disabilities goes even further. For
six years, Ms. Derek has also served as the national honorary chairperson
for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Rehabilitation Special
Events. These four annual therapeutic and rehabilitative events are designed
to help veterans overcome their disabilities through competition. They
are the hallmark of rehabilitation programs in the nation.
Born Mary Cathleen Collins in Long Beach, Calif., Bo Derek is no stranger
to veterans. Her father, Paul Collins, was a radio operator during the
Korean War. Both her stepfather and her late husband, John Derek, were
also veterans. It is this love for the armed forces that has inspired Ms.
Derek to perform her duties as national honorary chairperson with passion
and ease, taking the time to meet and encourage America’s veterans
one by one.
In 2002, Ms. Derek was bestowed by the Special Forces Association with
the distinction of honorary Green Beret, joining only four other Americans
who have been so honored. Ms. Derek was recognized for her efforts on behalf
of America's men and women in uniform and our military veterans. She participates
in USO tours, entertaining U.S. military personnel serving abroad.
Recently, she was appointed as Special Envoy of the Secretary of State
for Wildlife Trafficking, working to create awareness of the dangers of
wildlife trafficking. Along with her love of animals and devotion to veterans,
Ms. Derek is also a patron of the arts. In January 2002, President George
W. Bush appointed her to the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees.
A published author, Ms. Derek poured into Riding Lessons: Everything That
Matters in Life I Learned from Horses the essence of her beauty – a
radiance that comes from her caring heart and bright mind. Despite the
years that have passed since she first seared the American consciousness
with her image, Bo Derek is as captivating and as ravishingly beautiful
as ever – both inside and out. Currently, she is starring on My
Network TV’s breakthrough drama Fashion House.
More about Bo Derek.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms and 12 youngsters from The Children's Home in Tampa will explore Big Cat Rescue June 13, 2007. See what Chris had to say about his experience here last year HERE.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS VISIT THE CATS AFTER ZONING APPROVAL
As noted briefly in our last issue because it happened just as we went to press, in February the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners approved our application for rezoning to a Planned Development. The new zoning is a huge event for the sanctuary. First, it clears up any ambiguity there may have been about our right to have the sanctuary at its current location and conduct the necessary activities required to run it into perpetuity. Second, it grants approval, subject to certain conditions, to add buildings that would let us better care for the cats, provide an enhanced experience for visitors, expand our education program, and generate funds to support the cats.
This year long process could not have been affordable or have happened without the generous donation of time by professionals and supporters that deserve far more acknowledgement than we can give here. Among them were:
Alex Petrilak and Stan Geda who were heavily involved in the initial planning and advised along the way. Dick Callahan and Kevin Atkins of Biological Research Associates who advised on environmental issues. Bruce Kaschyk and Kevin Mineer of Genesis Group who donated many of the long hours it took to prepare the application, guide it through the process, and represent us at the hearings. Ted Taub of the law firm Schumaker, Loop & Kendrick, who took us on as a pro bono client, advising on the process and representing us advised along the way and then represented us at the County Commission Hearing. And last but by no means least are the over 200 supporters who either wrote letters on our behalf or took hours out of their busy schedules to attend the two hearings and show support for our cause. On behalf of the cats we thank all of you more than we can possibly convey in words!
Subsequent to the approval we have been honored by having three of the Commissioners tour the sanctuary on separate occasions to get better acquainted with the cause they have helped so much. On April 26 Commissioner Hagan arrived around feeding time and jumped right in. In the photo, he feeds China Doll as Shere Khan wonders why his plate is empty. When asked for his reaction after seeing for himself the work of the sanctuary, he said “In my opinion, Big Cat Rescue is one of the best kept secrets in Hillsborough County. It is such a unique attraction, and I am very impressed with and proud of the work they are doing.”
Commissioner Norman came by on May 4 with his wife Mearline. In the photo, the Commissioner poses with our largest lioness, Sarabi, who seems to be imitating him (or is it the other way around?). In a note after the visit, the Commissioner wrote "Big Cat Rescue is one the most unique places in Hillsborough County that children and families have an opportunity to visit. Right in the middle of our community you can visit a collection of some of the most beautiful and majestic animals in the world that can't be matched by anyone, established by a family that has a love for animals. I highly recommend that everyone visit this wonderful place."
And Commissioner Kathy Castor (now Congresswoman Castor) came out with her family as well. More HERE
We hope the remaining Commissioners will honor us with a visit sometime in the future. In the meantime, we thank them and all of those mentioned above for their wonderful support!
At Right is local News
Broadcaster, Sue Zelenko with Lionell our Lion Mascot at the St. Francis Walk A
Thon to raise money for spaying and neutering dogs and cats. Big Cat
Rescue is more than just a big cat rescue mission. We do our part in
the community to provide a better life for all animals. Mary Ann Reed is
dressed in the costume here and she does most of our mascot's appearances. By day she cleans cages and gives tours.