Claire Brockman is 12-years old and lives in Milford, Ohio – but her family has a weekend home here in Switzerland County. An active participant in many different local activities while she is here with her family, Claire Brockman happened into the booth of the Swiss Friends of Animals during the Sleepy Hollow Festival in 2006.
Meeting the folks from Swiss Friends of Animals, Claire Brockman spoke about how much her family loves animals, too. From there a friendship developed between the family and the organization; and everyone stays in touch with what’s going on with the effort to help animals here in Switzerland County.
The Brockmans recently attended the Christmas Open House, Claire Brockman came with a smile and a surprise.
Having just celebrated her 12th birthday, Claire Brockman sent out invitations for her friends to attend her party, but as a part of the invitation she made a unique request.
She asked her friends, in lieu of presents, to bring a $10 gift to the party – with half going to the Swiss Friends of Animals organization and the animal shelter.
Her birthday invitation even poked fun at the dilemma that the little girl faced – as a photo of Claire featured a devil on one shoulder telling her to keep all the money; while an angel on the other shoulder urged her to help the shelter.
The angel won.
At the Christmas Open House here in Vevay, Claire Brockman presented Swiss Friends of Animals with $160.
An incredible act of selflessness from a young lady didn’t end there, however, as Claire Brockman soon learned that the Swiss Friends of Animals had been awarded a matching grant from the Community Foundation of Switzerland County.
So her gift of $160 actually became $320.
In appreciation for her generosity, the Swiss Friends of Animals will be presenting Claire Brockman with a lifetime membership to the organization.
Claire Brockman’s act of generosity also serves as a reminder to everyone that a little can go a long way. Anyone wanting to make a contribution to the Swiss Friends of Animals – just as Claire did – can also have their gift matched by the community foundation.
To find out more, call the Swiss Friends of Animals at 427-2700; or stop by the office at 105 West Pike Street in Vevay.