Name: Heather M. Byrer
Age: 33
Family: Engaged to Vincent Carbone. Wedding is 5/9/10!
Pets: Two cats, Beans and Zinny (Zinny was adopted in 2006 from the Jax Humane Society)
Education: FSU, BA in Spanish 1997; Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis 2001.
Admitted to the Bar: 2001
Employed by: Boyd & Jenerette , P.A.
Field of practice: Workers’ Compensation Defense; Employment Defense
Professional organizations: The Jacksonville Bar Association, Florida Association of Women Lawyers, Jacksonville Claims Association
Community involvement: Jacksonville Humane Society
How did you get involved?
I first attended the Jacksonville Humane Society “Fur Ball” in 2006 at UNF, which is a fantastic black tie event that allows guests to bring along their pets dressed in costume for the theme of the event. It is certainly not your run of the mill black tie event when you have a dog lounging below your table wearing a toga! I had such a great time that I asked to be a volunteer for the Jax Humane Society and participate on the Fur Ball committee the next year. Over the years, the Fur Ball has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the Humane Society. Serving on the committee entails locating sponsors, selling tickets, obtaining silent and live auction items, other development-type projects and of course, attending the event.
How can someone else get involved?
There are many ways to become involved with the Jax Humane Society. Volunteering can range from simply spending time playing with the animals at the shelter to serving on committee boards and attending events which support the Society. Fundraising for the Humane Society can be also organized through your employer. For example, in June 2009 Boyd & Jenerette accepted donations from our employees to participate in casual Friday and delivered toys, treats, towels, food and blankets to the Society. For more information if you are interested in volunteering for the Humane Society, please see www.jaxhumane.org/how-to-help/volunteer/volunteer-faq/ or contact Lynn Williams at 725-8766 ext. 206.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
When animals are placed in new homes it is a fantastic and heartwarming experience. Volunteering with the Humane Society was especially rewarding in 2007 after the tragic fire at the facility. The community support and donations for the animals and to the humane society were unprecedented and overwhelming.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
I just finished Jon Kraukauer’s book on Pat Tillman, “Where Men Win Glory.” I believe anything Kraukauer writes is golden, but this book inspires through the tragedy. The way in which Tillman lived his life makes the reader want to become a better person.