(WSVN) — For many families, the loss of a pet can be devastating for the kids and their parents. One local family turned their loss into a gain for pets around the world, and the kids learned something at the same time. 7’s Lynn Martinez shows us in today’s Parent to Parent.
Josh and Bryce Benbasat love animals.
Josh Benbasat: “We’ve always had dogs, and my brother got a bunny and we just love pets.”
They lost their first dog to cancer.
Bryce Benbasat: “I was seven. I was devastated.”
The boys were so upset, they wanted to do something.
Josh Benbasat: “I wanted to raise a lot of money and donate it to pet cancer research.”
Lucky for Josh, his dad works in the veterinary business. When he told him his idea, his dad saw it as a chance to teach his boys something new.
Steve Benbasat: “My eyes lit up, because I knew that was my opportunity to help them learn how to run a business.”
The brothers decided to start a non-profit organization.
Josh Benbasat: “It’s called Pawsitively Curing Cancer.”
Dad then showed them how a business actually gets formed.
Steve Benbasat: “Everything from starting it, to filing the paperwork with the Florida Division of Corporations, to dealing with the application, to the IRS.”
Next, the family came together to talk about ideas on how to raise money. Since Steve’s company sells post-surgery collars for pets, that sparked a bright idea.
Bryce Benbasat: “Me and my brother thought we’re going to put a pink trim on the collars.”
Pawsitively Curing Cancer gets a donation from every collar sold. The boys are now learning to approach business owners for corporate sponsorships.
Both parents agree the key is not to do it for your kids, but to let them set their own goals and give them the tools that will help them succeed.
Dena Benbasat: “When they needed me, I kinda said my two cents and got in there but basically I let them do everything on their own.”
The boys also have advice for other kids.
Bryce Benbasat: “Just do what your heart tells you to do.”
Lynn Martinez: Funds go to the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.cureforpets.org
Tel: (954) 374-8637
www.trimlineinc.com