Small businesses are the backbone of the Sacramento community, and an indispensable part of the success of the local economy. Some small business owners take their commitment to area residents very seriously, and take the extra step of donating their limited time and resources to support local nonprofits and charities.
For shoppers, family-owned establishments generally offer merchandise and services that are more unique and personal than what can be found at mass retailers. For example, Sacramento has a thriving arts community, but small businesses are often the only way people can discover the work of talented local designers and artisans.
The following are a few of the outstanding Sacramento area small business owners and employees who feel that giving back is just as important as bringing in customers and money. Using their products and services can offer direct support to the causes that are important to you.
Pawsitive Attention Pet Services
(916) 585-3182
www.pawsitiveattention.com
Pawsitive Attention provides pet sitting, dog walking, pet clean up and more services for satisfied customer all over the Sacramento area. Rachele, the highly skilled and dedicated owner, has donated doubtless thousands of hours of her time volunteering as a trainer, advocate, instructor, animal foster, social media coordinator, event volunteer and many other roles for local animal rescue organizations. These charities include Chako Pit Bull Rescue, Sacramento House Rabbit Society, Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode and the City of Sacramento’s Front Street Shelter.
Quality Boutique & Bru’
2312 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 786-0172
www.shopatquality.com
This unique business offers on-trend clothing and accessories for adults, as well as a full espresso bar that uses beans from locally owned Mast Coffee. Prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is fun and casual, particularly when the owner’s uber-friendly dogs greet customers at the door. Owner and operator Capone Burns and his wife are very supportive of animal shelters, including the Sacramento SPCA, and other nonprofits that serve the local community.
The Waffle Experience
4391 Gateway Park Blvd. Suite 650
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 285-0562
thewaffleexperience.com
The Waffle Experience offers a delightful gastronomic experience, with a menu more sophisticated and gourmet than the name might suggest. The owners were friends while in the Marines and joined forces years later to open the eatery. Jeffery Belaski is the restaurant’s general manager and Chef Michael Donoho brings his 20+ years of international culinary experience to creating memorable meals. The two owners and their staff offer their time and expertise to numerous local charities, particularly to those serving military families.
Wagger’s Pet Spa
2051 Arena Blvd. Suite 130
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 263-9242
www.waggerpetspa.com
Wagger’s provides grooming services and pet supplies to animal lovers in and around the Sacramento area. The owner has donated very generously to nonprofits that serve humans as well as animals. Just a few of the recipients are Cats About Town Society, Front Street Animal Shelter and both local and national organizations doing research, advocacy and public education about multiple sclerosis, cancer and Alzheimer’s.
PeraDice
918 24th St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 930-0600
www.facebook.com/PeraDiceMidtown
PeraDice is a fun Midtown shop that sells gifts, jewelry, cards and housewares, running the gamut from quirky and outrageous to gorgeous and elegant. Owners James Wagner and Steven Pera are very active in the community and have been heavily involved with charities of many types for years. Beneficiaries include Mustard Seed, which provides free, high quality private school for homeless children in Sacramento. Wagner and Pera have hosted many events to raise donations for Mustard Seed, and have supported breast cancer research and other charities.
Three Boys Soap
www.etsy.com
www.facebook.com
Owner Sara Zaffa creates beautiful handmade soaps, cosmetics and beauty products to promote autism awareness and support her family. The mother of three young boys also chose to be the first general sponsor for a Sacramento 501c3 charity, Sacramento Autistic Spectrum and Special Needs Alliance, which serves youth with mental diagnoses and their families. Dave Gaines of SASSNA says that Zaffa has been an enthusiastic supporter, and that she definitely has “a special giving spirit.”
Jax Logan – Rodan and Fields
jaxlogan.myrandf.com
Shane Logan – Ivory Tower Consulting
www.ivorytowerconsulting.com
Jacqueline “Jax” and Shane Logan operate several local businesses in Sacramento, and Jax is also the founder of local nonprofit organization PAWS Pet Rescue & Adoptions. In addition to running the charity and going to law school, she is an independent consultant with Rodan and Fields luxury skin products and author of a nutrition and fitness blog called Vital Strength. Jax donates 20% of her paycheck to PAWS.
Shane Logan runs Ivory Tower Consulting, which offers college prep counseling to high school students and their parents. The business helps improve each student’s admission to their college of choice, and Shane helps improve the lives of animals in the process. He generously donates $200 to PAWS for every client that retains his services.