GBU Life and its members are honored to recognize Lauren Botticelli as this year's Volunteer of the Year. This award is given in recognition of a member's dedication to helping others and outstanding service and contributions in the local community.

Lauren is an active leader and volunteer at The Animal Pad (theanimalpad.org), a nonprofit all breed dog rescue that focuses on rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters in Southern California and Mexico. Lauren and fellow volunteers provide rehabilitation and care while finding loving homes for the animals. 

We asked Lauren a few questions about her life outside of The Animal Pad. Here is what she had to say:

What are your hobbies/interests outside of The Animal Pad? 

“Outside of rescue, I do enjoy a good mom's night out spent with my family and friends. We are all self-proclaimed foodies and get way too excited over new hot spots in San Diego.”

If you could have lunch with a historical figure (past or present), who would it be and why?

“The rescuer in me says Jane Goodall because man, what a force and inspiration. She's my hero. But the gypsy, hippie, free spirit in me says Stevie Nicks. Because of her insane talent, but also the fact that I would love to pick her brain on all the Fleetwood Mac drama. You KNOW it's GOOD, haha.”

What is your advice to those who want to get involved with a cause they care about but are having trouble getting started?

“My advice is to jump. Just do it! Take the plunge, even if you know no one and nothing about it. If your story ends up anything like mine, there's not a single day you will regret it.”

Lauren and GBU’s former Western Regional Sales Manager, James Donovan

"Lauren will ALWAYS show up for the dogs no matter what it takes. Throughout the past six years, there has been an immense amount of change as we grew from an itty-bitty local rescue to the powerhouse team of volunteers and fosters in the hundreds that we are today, but one constant is Lauren. This has built a stronger community because we are all connected by the volunteer work we do."

- Kelly Johnston, GBU member