Arlington Hts. 5th-grader raises money for rescued dogs

Posted December 07, 2014 10:00 pm

Submitted by Joe Ferrazza

Elizabeth Ferrazza, a fifth-grader from Arlington Heights, turned her love for dogs into a business called Lend Me Your Ears that raised nearly $700 this summer to help animal rescue shelters. courtesy of Ferrazza family

Elizabeth Ferrazza loves stories. And like many kids her age, the fifth-grader from Arlington Heights also loves dogs.

So when she started to learn about no-kill animal shelters, she quickly realized that every rescued dog has a story, and she knew she wanted to help. Before long, Lizzie had created Lend Me Your Ears, a business to raise money for local animal shelters.

She scoured local garage sales, the Salvation Army, Savers and even her mom's dresser for beads and jewels that she could make into earrings. Selling each pair for $10, she had a goal to donate $400 to local shelters committed to finding homes for stray dogs.

Along with providing financial support, Lizzie used the business to show how no-kill shelters operate and how others can help.

Throughout the summer, Lizzie toured Arlington Heights and Palatine, finding dog-friendly audiences at Bentley's Corner Barkery, the Bark for Life 5K and Berry Yo's "Gone to the Dogs" event. Each time, she unpacked an inventory of rescued beads, a brightly colored poster board and her engaging smile.

By the time school was ready to begin, she had surpassed her goal and had $675 to donate to organizations like the Buddy Foundation and Chicagoland Lab Rescue.

Lizzie, who attends Olive-Mary Stitt School in Arlington Heights, has settled back into her normal fifth grade routine. Homework, girl scouts and swim lessons fill out her calendar. She also spends time with Henry, a Tibetan terrier mix her family adopted in November from, of course, a local rescue shelter.

But she hasn't lost her passion for speaking on behalf of her adorable beneficiaries.

For more information about Lend Me Your Ears, email Lizzie at info@lendmeyourears.net.

Arlington Heights fifth-grader Elizabeth Ferrazza sold earrings over the summer to raise $675 for her rescue dog charity, Lend Me Your Ears. She made the earrings with beads and jewels found at garage sales, the Salvation Army and Savers. courtesy of Ferrazza family

Arlington Heights fifth grader Elizabeth Ferrazza sold earrings over the summer to raise $675 for her rescue dog charity, Lend Me Your Ears. She made the earrings with beads and jewels found at garage sales, the Salvation Army and Savers. courtesy of Ferrazza family

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