A Cause for Paws

Each week, Agoura Hills Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. 

This weeks Whiz Kids are life-long pals Amanda Miles,10, and Elissa David, 11. Not only do the girls have the same interests, they both have a passion for animals.

While on a recent visit to the , they learned about Malibu Pet Companions. The community-based, non-profit organization is run by volunteers and is dedicated to funding medical care for sick, injured and un-weaned homeless pets through the Agoura shelter. Thus inspired, the young animal lovers organized and hosted a lemonade stand on June 30th in their neighborhood of Deer Springs.

Joined by Miles' brother, Matthew, and their friends, Justin and Paige Torres, the fundraiser was a huge success. The girls raised almost $200, which was donated to Malibu Pet Companions, so that animals in need can be cared for and ultimately placed in new homes.  

As part of the fundraising process, the young girls did all of their own shopping. "They made their own signs for the stand and have a better understanding of hard work and giving to charity," said Debbie Miles, Amanda's mom.

Miles said a highlight of the afternoon was when a patrol car from the stopped by for a cool drink and to support their cause. "They were very excited [that the officers stopped]," she said. "They drove up for some lemonade and then drove off with the lights flashing and announcing on the loud speaker to come to their lemonade stand!"  

While not on a lemonade-fueled crusade to help animals in need, Amanda Miles loves dancing, singing, and playing the violin and guitar. Her partner, David, enjoys dancing, singing, fashion and gymnastics. They both love watching the television show Glee.

Whiz Kid: Amanda Miles and Elissa David

Grade:  sixth grade

School: & A.E. Wright Middle School

Accomplishment:  Raised nearly $200 for Malibu Pet Companions

Key to Awesomeness: "The key to my awesomeness and success is that we're helping out the Malibu Pet Companions to take care of the sick animals at the Agoura Animal Shelter, because they need to give the animals a good home and money for their job," said Amanda Miles.

David believed that the key to their success "was having support from our friends, family and neighbors who supported us in raising money for Malibu Pet Companions."