The basketball court at Madison Square Garden is an unlikely place for someone well under six feet tall to find herself, but that is where I was last week in support of Bideawee, an animal rescue, and welfare organization, as part of its Young Professionals Committee and as a volunteer.
About thirty of us, varying in careers but with a love for animals in common, attended the Knicks vs. Raptors game in an effort to raise awareness and support for Bideawee, which allows the organization to rescue more animals, give them any medical attention they need, and get them adopted into their forever homes.
Our Committee was given the unique opportunity to watch the players warm up before the game, high five the team (if we could reach that high) as they ran onto the court, and to shoot a free throw afterward. While the Knicks did not win, the night was still a great success. We received generous donations that will support more rescue operations and forged friendships and connections among each other. The stronger we build the committee, the greater the work we can do to support Bideawee’s mission.
I started volunteering at Bideawee last summer because, while I have adopted pets from shelters and have supported animal welfare organizations, I felt like I could still do more to make a personal impact on my community and the lives of homeless animals. Every Sunday morning, I volunteer at Bideawee’s intake center in Wantagh and help make the lives of the cats and dogs that have been rescued, happy and healthy. Some of these animals have had a very rough start at life. I make sure that they have a clean environment, I play with and comfort them, and take them out on walks. It is incredibly rewarding to see the less confident ones come out of their shell once I build trust with them. It is even better to see them being adopted into loving homes.
I find that the committee and volunteer work that I do for Bideawee has been incredibly fulfilling. Helping those in need, whether they be four-legged or two, really makes an important impact on the lives of others and on yourself.
