October 1, 2020
By Kelli Gile, WVUSD Office of Community Resources
DIAMOND BAR, CA-Chaparral Middle School 6th grader Ava Benitez has been busy building a “Dog Bowtique” online business during the COVID-19 quarantine.
She sews and sells personalized ties, bandanas, and ID tags on Facebook, Instagram, and Etsy.
Ava also donates the adorable creations to local animal shelters in hopes of fostering furry adoptions.
"I feel very happy doing something I like for the dogs that I feel passionate about," the 11-year-old shared.
In the past two months, she has donated more than 80 bowties to the Inland Valley Humane Society, Ranch Rescue Team, and Baldwin Park Animal Care and Control.
Her mother, Mary Ann, credits her daughter’s service mentality to values instilled and lessons shared by teachers during her years at Maple Hill Elementary.
“I’m proud of the positive thing she’s done in the midst of the pandemic!”
Vanessa Mabini, Ava’s fifth grade teacher from Maple Hill, shared that her former student has always been very artistic and creative.
“I am so glad that she has found a way to share her talents and her big heart with the community!”
“And as soon as I found out about her business venture, I had to make a purchase for my own pup!”
Shown:
Chaparral Middle School sixth grader Ava Benitez sews and donates dog bowties to local animal shelters.