At 11, he’s raising money for a pet project

Aug 29, 2021

Weeks after the pandemic hit, 11-year-old Gavin Simonin and his family adopted their dog, Arrow, from The Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast.

The family felt an instant connection with Arrow, Gavin’s mother, Andrea Simonin, said.

“He chose us,’’ she said, laughing.

As he enjoys life with his canine pal, Gavin wanted to do something to support the shelter he was adopted from.

People often donate supplies, he said, but sometimes money gifts make the most impact, he said.

So he decided to raise money by hosting a lemonade stand and yard sale Aug. 28 at his home on Chase Road. All proceeds went to the shelter.

The effort paid off.

By the end of the event, late Saturday morning, he had attracted about 30 to 40 people and raised $270.

The yard sale and lemonade stand were only part of the attraction.

Visitors also had the chance to check out and take photos with a 1981 DeLorean DMC 12, a replica of the vehicle used in the movie “Back to the Future.” The vehicle, which features gull-wing doors and a stainless steel body, belongs to Josh Simonin, Gavin’s father and a car enthusiast.

Andrea Simonin was proud of how the day went and the effort put forward by Gavin, who is about to start Dartmouth Middle School.

“I love it” she said. “I’m glad he’s learning to do something for others. It’s so nice to see how excited he was to do something’’ to support the shelter.