12 April 18 - May 1, 2009
Community
www.SanTanSun.com
Hillenbrand from Page 1
than 150 animals, most of them rescued from abuse
or neglect. And unlike typical black-tie ballroom
fundraisers, the luau provides patrons a chance to
see for themselves exactly where their money will be
going.
“The event is being held in our petting zoo so
everyone can see fi rsthand what we do,” says Shea
Hillenbrand. “You can see how well the animals are
being taken care of, and see the special connection
these kids have with the animals here.”
The luau also features live music, appetizers,
beverages and the opportunity to interact with the
Hillenbrand’s furry menagerie.
STSN photo STSN photo
Marley Farms a home run
RESCUED: These llamas are just a few of the many animals LOVE ANIMALS: Shea Hillenbrand with daughter Dakota and son
rescued by the Hillenbrands at Marley Farms in Gilbert. Austin feed the animals in their petting zoo.
Hillenbrand, best known as an MLB player formerly
with the Arizona Diamondbacks, is quickly gaining a were neglected or abused. Here, they’ll be treated that they made it through and are strong and happy,
reputation as a farmer and philanthropist. As a child, right.” and they think, ‘if they can do it, I can too.’”
he loved animals and dreamed of one day owning He also notes that lately, everything in the Hillenbrand loves sharing success stories of how
his own horse. His wife, a daughter of a Phoenix Zoo Hillenbrand family revolves around animals. children blossom through interaction with the
veterinarian, had been around animals her whole life “At my house, birthday presents are always animals.
and shares his passion for them. animals,” laughs Hillenbrand. “Last time it was a “One autistic boy had been with his caregiver for
“After my fi rst year in the majors in 2001, I bought donkey, before that a zebra. My kids think everyone two years and had never spoken,” Hillenbrand recalls.
my fi rst horse,” says Hillenbrand. “I’ve always been an has a camel and kangaroo.” “Half an hour after he got here, he began speaking.
animal lover – and of course, they’re part of Jessica’s The animals worked their magic.”
history – and things just grew from there.” A special connection Marley Farms, located at 26601 S. Val Vista, south of
The Hillenbrands founded Marley Farms in 2007 In addition to horse facilities, a petting zoo and feed Riggs at Hunt Highway, is open to the public. Tickets
after renovating the existing 25-acre ranch into one store, Marley Farms includes acreage for the Against for the April 25 benefi t are $15 in advance or $20 at
of the top equine facilities in the country. The couple All Odds foundation’s work of bringing inner city, the door, and children younger than 12 get in free.
then began providing sanctuary to maltreated animals. abused and disabled children to the farm to interact For more information, call 480-895-8453 or visit the
Over the past two years, they’ve rescued cattle about with the animals. website at www.MarleyFarms.com.
to be butchered, purchased a retired show camel and “All of my animals have a story, just like these
saved emus abandoned in the desert. kids,” explains Hillenbrand. “There is really a special
Miriam Van Scott of Kerby Estates is a freelance writer and
“We have 16 horses here that were on their way to connection between them. These children hear about
Chandler transplant from the Washington, D.C. area. She can be
slaughter,” Hillenbrand reports, “and 30 dogs that
reached at Miriam@SanTanSun.com.
everything the animals have been through and see
10% off up to $1000
Complimentary Appraisal:
$100 value
*Valid on new design only
Not valid on work in progress.
Expires 5/2/09
Make a unique statement
with jewelry from Rakhman Jewelers
Fine Jewelry - Diamonds - Exotic Gemstones
3D Computer Aided Design - Custom Design - Your Stones or Ours
Watch and Jewelry Repairs - Appraisals by Gemologist
Collection of GIA&EGL Certifi ed diamonds
Owned & Operated by Two Generations
All Jewelry Work Done on Premises by Owner
QUALITY SERVICE INTEGRITY
www.rakhmanjewelers.com
Watch Battery
857-9707
$3.99
(Reg. $6) 1.5 Volt only.
Limit 2 With coupon.
Not valid with other offers.
3165 S. Alma School Rd, Suite 21
Some restrictions apply.
Next day Service.
SE Corner of Alma School & Queen Creek Rd.
Expires 5/2/09
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67