Pay it forward and the more you give, the more you get.

Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) is a unique, private, non-profit organization that is committed to the philosophy of people helping animals and animals helping people. Located on 12 acres in Rancho Santa Fe, their nationally recognized Center provides a variety of services that benefit the community through educational and therapeutic programs for people and humane care and adoption for animals. Portia Metras and Jim Hooker understand the value of the animal-human bond and are doing their part to help Helen Woodward Animal Center continue their legacy of caring.

10 Things About Portia Metras & Jim Hooker and Helen Woodward Animal Center

#1 Portia grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. Jim is a San Diego native who grew up in Fletcher Hills. He lived in three houses through college in the same town about one mile, all one mile apart!

#2 Jim’s first job was moving houses while Portia worked as a waitress in a coffee shop.

#3 Portia’s favorite restaurant is the Chart House and her go-to order is their special fish dish of the night. Jim’s restaurant of choice is A.R. Valentien at The Lodge – Torrey Pines.

#4 “1984” by George Orwell is Jim’s favorite book whereas Portia favors “The Power of Intention” by Wayne Dyer.

#5 On movie night, Portia’s pick is Romancing the Stone and Jim’s is Blazing Saddles.

#6 Portia loves both dogs and cats. Jim considers himself more of a dog person.

#7 The best advice that Jim has been given is to think simple- “KISS- Keep It Simple Silly.”

#8 Portia has two daughters and 10 thriving, healthy grandchildren.

#9 When Jim was 1 year old, he had his baby photo on a full size billboard on University Avenue in Hillcrest.

#10 The Helen Woodward Animal Center is hosting its annual Spring Fling Gala themed Our Extravagant World Tour on Saturday June 8, 2019 at a new location, the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. The Spring Fling is Helen Woodward Animal Center’s largest fundraising event of the year and features over 20 of San Diego’s top restaurants, cocktails, dancing and live music, silent and live auctions and endearing animal stories.