Ridgefield Philanthropist Uses His Saxophone To Help Pets In Need
In the next few weeks, you are likely to see a young boy, saxophone in hand, performing in downtown Ridgefield and, if you frequent the Dog Park, you will see him there as well. His name is Aakarsh Patel and playing a musical instrument isn’t his only passion. This budding musician loves animals and wants to find loving homes for pets in need. He's discovered a way to do both.
Enter Looking Glass Animal Rescue and one of its ambassadors, Kathy Boyle
Prior to this year’s Nutmeg Festival in Ridgefield, local resident Kathy Boyle took to social media to drum up enthusiasm for the event and to let people know that she would be volunteering at the Looking Glass Animal Rescue (LGAR) booth.
Boyle’s Facebook post prompted a local resident, Diljot Sandhu, to reach out to see if her 11-year-old son, Aakarsh Patel, could walk dogs at the event. Boyle agreed. Volunteering and making tails wag sparked this young boy's entrepreneurial spirit.
Aakarsh, who happens to be an avid and talented saxophonist, decided to use his musical know-how to launch a new philanthropic endeavor.
“Aakarsh took it upon himself to set up at both the Danbury Dog Park and The Ridgefield Dog Park and play his saxophone. He made up his own signs for LGAR and collected a total of $44.15 from both events,” says Boyle.
An entrepreneur-philanthropist is born. Aakarsh will combine his two passions: helping to find loving homes for dogs in need and playing a musical instrument to continue to raised funds for LGAR. “He is planning on [performing] regularly,” says Boyle. Look for Aakarsh in front of Sotheby's on Main Street (exact dates are being finalized so stay tuned!)
In addition, his mom has agreed to take him to the dog parks in both Danbury and Ridgefield so he can perform. Look for him this Saturday in Danbury at approximately 5pm and at the Ridgefield Dog Park on Sunday at 5pm.
Get jazzed in downtown Ridgefield while supporting our furry friends in need!
Learn more about Looking Glass Animal Rescue, a virtual nonprofit based in Ridgefield, here.