What is the award-winning art of Karen and Tony baron, Animal samaritans and Palm Springs Volkswagen all have in common? You would be surprised.

The Barones are well known for their generous philanthropic work in our valley. They share their bold and colorful, larger-than-life sculptures with our community in impressive public and private art installations in a number of locations across the desert. They are passionate about their art but equally passionate about animal welfare, especially pet adoptions.

Says Karen: “We’re best known for our public art installations of giant rabbits and big gorillas in the desert, and we love the bold statements they make. We’re just Volkswagen customers of Palm Springs, and so on. from a visit to service our VW Bug, we noticed that their showroom was a big and beautiful space and could use color and inspiration. “

Enter the genius idea of ​​the artists. The Barones came up with a win / win concept for the dealership: Could they display their colorful cat and dog sculptures in the showroom along with information from Animal Samaritans on the importance and critical need for adoption? pets in order to educate and hopefully encourage visitors to consider adopting a pet that needs a home forever? It would bring great colorful art to the space and shed some light on the importance of pet rescues.

The dealership loved the idea and agreed to display the art and information on pet adoption.

Tony said, “I knew we could make this a happy place in a matter of minutes, just by delivering these parts. I told Karen the idea, and she was very excited about it, and that was it. Three days later, our fantastic delivery guys received three. Pieces here. “

Thanks to the Barones and the cooperation and enthusiasm of VW of Palm Springs, this has been a bonus for Animal Samaritans, an organization which, according to its website, was founded in 1978 “by local animal lovers determined to end the suffering, abuse and unnecessary death of animals in local shelters and educate future pet owners about responsible pet ownership. “

Valerie Kattz, the organization’s nonprofit donor and client program specialist, has long been a passionate animal advocate. “I am so happy that we are raising awareness about pet adoptions,” she said. “At Animal Samaritans, we work tirelessly every day to secure safe homes for abandoned and rescued animals.”

They are grateful to have the spotlight on their shelter, and they have even had pet adoption opportunities from the dealership. Hopefully there will be more – a silver lining for all!

Kattz said, “These partnerships with the Barones, who brought these beautiful works of art here, and Volkswagen of Palm Springs are very important to us. They help us get our message out. And, when we have events of adoption, like the one we had here at Volkswagen in Palm Springs, it gives our animals a chance to get out of the shelter for the day. They meet new people, and it makes it easier for adopters.

“I can’t imagine not having a pet in my life,” Karen said. “Come on, folks! Adopt!”

So, thanks to an unlikely partnership between a car dealership, two passionate artists, and a local animal rescue nonprofit, chances are much better that some furry friends in need of a permanent home might find their own. furry family.

For more information on Animal Samaritans, visit animalsamaritans.org. To learn more about the Barones, visit baroneart.com. Visit Palm Springs Volkswagen at vwofpalmsprings.com.

Sandie Newton is an award-winning broadcast journalist who began her career in Los Angeles as the co-host of the nationally broadcast “PM Magazine”. She went on to host numerous local and national shows like “Hollywood Insider” before becoming one of the original anchors of E! In 2017, she moved full time to the desert to join NBC Palm Springs as an NBCares correspondent. She is also the host of the daily weekday show “Desert Living Now”.