Fall 2025

64 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 5 Photo: Kelli Uldall I t started with the idea that it would be nice to have a cat around the house. But when Chang and Phares recognized the need for people to foster abandoned kittens, they jumped in.With all four feet, so to speak. This couple has spent more than a decade volunteering in their com- munity. A decorated Air Force veteran, Chang has given through many veteran-centric nonprofits locally and nationwide. She’s volunteered for the Carmel Bach Festival as well. Phares joins her in many of those worthy causes. Perhaps closest to the couple’s hearts is the work they do with Our Neighborhood Pet Project, a South County organization focused on reducing the feral cat over population which also finds forever homes for dogs and cats. “We have fostered more than 250 animals in 12 years,” Chang says. “At present we have two resident cats and six foster kittens,” adds Phares.The couple also volunteers with the Spay Neuter Imperative Project (aka, SNIP Bus), a nonprofit providing low-cost neutering services. This couple has chosen to put their volunteer hours to work in areas that speak to their hearts. But Chang says,“The most important thing isn’t where you volunteer, but that you volunteer, because your own well- being is also a beneficiary.” — Michael Chatfield VOLUNTE ER PROF I L E Randy Phares and Walan Chang