The Community Foundation is truly for the benefit of everyone and everything. This includes people, organizations, programs, and even ideas. However, there is an additional segment of the community that benefits from CRCF, being animals. In the 29-year history of CRCF, many funds have been created to benefit animals and the organizations that care for them. One new fund at the Community Foundation that aims to do both is the “Sir Oliver VII” Bakewell/Humane Society Endowment Fund.

 

Often when donors create a fund, they name it in honor or memory of an individual(s) by using their name. In the case of the “Sir Oliver VII” Bakewell/Humane Society Endowment Fund, this is the first time a CRCF fund has been named after a pet…and a truly special pet Oliver was. 

 

Sir Oliver was a pure breed acquired through the International Kennel Club in New York City. He was whelped June 29, 1994, in Cabool, MO, and traveled many miles before meeting the woman who would care for him his entire life. His alpha personality was well suited for his role as protector and watch dog for his owner, as well as other tenants in the building complex where they lived. Beyond being a protector, Oliver simply loved to have fun. Whether playing with his favorite ball, sliding down icy winter streets, or finding mischief around each corner, he brought the kid out in everyone who met him.

 

Sir Oliver lived a long life (nearly 89 ‘people’ years) and experienced many great “life” events since a puppy. Yet, he also taught his owner many important life lessons over the years, which is why Tammy Bakewell established the “Sir Oliver VII” Bakewell/Humane Society Endowment Fund, after he passed away on March 1, 2007. She wanted to create a fund that memorialized a special part of her life, as many donors have done before her.

 

Tammy recounts many instances where Oliver impacted her life including quiet and relaxing walks after a long, hard day, the importance of play time and his ability to simply provide warm companionship at home. He was always there giving unconditionally and will always be remembered as a great friend who was always there when she needed him. Tammy knows there are many other pet owners that share this same respect and friendship with their animals, and it is her hope that this fund will help build new relationships such as the one she had with Oliver. 

 

There are many stories to be told about Oliver, just as there are many stories that can be shared by all who own and love pets. So that others have the opportunity to create stories and memories of their own, the Humane Society will receive an endowment to benefit dogs from the “Sir Oliver VII” fund. Most importantly, Oliver’s memory will live on forever.

 

If you would like to contribute to this or any of the other funds at the Community Foundation, log onto www.crcfonline.org and click “Donate Now.” For inquiries about creating your own fund, contact the Community Foundation staff at 661-3390.