Difference Makers: From the Slopes to the Shelters

When 13-year-old Lacie Greenwald takes the podium after winning a ski race, she does more than just accept a medal. She advertises with the logos on her apparel, both for the sponsor she's already gained and for Animals' Last Hope, her very own nonprofit.

A native of Hobe Sound, Florida, Lacie started the charity after visiting local animal shelters. Animals' Last Hope raises money to save pets at risk of being put down, including those needing expensive surgery.

In one early case, a local family lost their dog, Chomper, when he accidentally bit a neighbor's neck going for a ball during a game of catch. When police had to take Chomper away for rabies testing, the family couldn't afford to get him back.

"This is exactly what Animals' Last Hope was made for," Lacie says. "So of course we saved Chomper."

The rescue meant a mention in the local paper for Animals' Last Hope, which Lacie estimates saved about 50 ainmals last year.

Lacie's focus now is raising money and getting the word out through car washes, bake sales, and hopefully, more trips to the podium.


Photos courtesy Brett Greenwald