SWEET SWIMMERS

How can you resist this face -- these faces?

For Buckwheat's Place's first charitable entry, I've chosen to relay the information in a dog-eared piece of paper that's been hanging around my desk for months. Someone sent it to me. Everyone should know about the

SAVE THE MANATEE CLUB

Careless Floridian boaters -- not to mention ocean pollution -- have endangered the lives of these big, sweet-faced, innocent aquatic animals. Over 1,200 have been killed since record keeping began in 1974.

I'm not some teary-eyed radical with more compassion for animals than humans. No, wait; maybe I am! The planet's animal kingdom is helpless in the face of human incursions on the environment, and manatees are one species feeling this most acutely.

You can join Save the Manatee's Club's Adopt-A-Manatee program for only $25 annual membership. Many bonuses come with the membership, including a photo and the adoption papers of your own manatee!
You just can't say no when the lives and well-being of these rotund darlings are at stake. Contact the Club at www.savethemanatee.org or call (800) 432-JOIN (5646).
Some adorable--if zaftig--manatee is relying on you!