Two women driving life-changing impact

Nonprofit

Jun 1

Written By Staff

Anne Barea | Photo courtesy of Paws With A Cause

For years, Anne Barea has dedicated her time to raising Paws With A Cause (PAWS) puppies destined to become life-changing companions for individuals with disabilities. With each of the seven future assistance dogs she raised, Anne’s connection to PAWS' mission deepened. After the first puppy she raised was placed with a client, Anne saw firsthand the incredible impact a PAWS dog can have and knew she wanted to do more.

That passion led her to launch the very first PAWS Battle Creek Classic in 2022, a golf outing organized and hosted by Anne to support the mission of PAWS: to transform lives and strengthen communities through partnerships with custom-trained working dogs.

Since its inception, the event has brought together golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and dog-lovers from across the West Michigan community, raising more than $10,000 annually to help fund the training and placement of custom-trained assistance dogs, provided completely free of charge to clients.

One of the individuals whose life was changed through a PAWS partnership was Dave Hoekstra, who was matched with a mobility assistance dog named SANTO. According to his wife, Diana, the partnership transformed their daily lives - providing greater confidence, independence, and peace of mind. Inspired not only by the impact of SANTO, but also by Anne’s dedication to supporting the mission, Diana launched the PAWS Holland Scramble in 2024.

Now, both women are inviting the community to join them for two golf outings supporting the PAWS mission this summer.

PAWS Holland Scramble
June 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Winding Creek Golf Club, 4514 E Ottogan St, Holland

PAWS Battle Creek Classic
July 11, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Binder Park Golf Course, 7255 B Dr S, Battle Creek

“These outings are about so much more than golf,” shared Anne, PAWS Board of Directors Chair and Battle Creek Classic event coordinator. “Every dollar raised helps provide someone with a life-changing dog at no cost to them. Seeing the community rally around that mission year after year is incredibly moving.”

PAWS assistance dogs receive more than two years of specialized training before being matched with clients, and recipients never pay for their dog or training. Events like these help ensure PAWS can continue providing support to individuals and families in need.

Diana, PAWS Board Member and Holland Scramble event coordinator, shared, “PAWS gave our family so much more than a dog with SANTO. Hosting this outing is our way of giving back and helping make these life-changing partnerships possible for others.”

Each four-person scramble includes coffee, lunch, contests, raffle prizes, awards, and opportunities to meet PAWS dogs and puppies in training. PAWS is currently seeking golfers, sponsors, and community supporters for both events. Businesses and individuals interested in making an impact are encouraged to register a team or become an event sponsor. For more information, visit: www.pawswithacause.org/events/

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