Our Story
In The BeginningIn the beginning from the time they first met in 1980, wife and husband Joan (Joni) Cassidy-O'Holland and David Holland Zatz, co-founders of the Hacienda O’Holland Animal Care Foundation (HOHACF), knew they shared a passion caring for stray animals. From stray dogs showing up at their door to feral cats knocking off the tops of trashcans, they started taking in an assortment of homeless animals.
In 1995 they purchased a 20-acre property in Santa Ynez Valley (Solvang) and began preparing the property to accommodate ranch animals in need. In 2001 they formed a 501(c) (3) public charity to help fund the Rescue, Adoption, and Rehabilitation of Domesticated , Companion, and Farm animals in a "No Kill" environment. While David continued to work in Park City Utah, commuting back and forth and handling the administrating, accounting, and donation market, Joni took the lead, adopting, relocating, and caring for the rescued animals. With the help of family, friends, neighbors, numerous devoted volunteers, and generous donors, HOHACF cared for hundreds of animals for the next 20 years. |
IN MEMORIUMSadly, Joni passed on in 2022, resting in bed at home, surrounded by her husband, the cats and dogs that were always with her and joining the many souls she loved.
Joni had a successful career in architecture, design, development and real estate in Denver, Aspen, Copper Mountain, Vail, Beaver Creek, Park City, Deer Valley, Del Mar, Beverly Hills, Chicago and Las Vegas. In addition to her career, visiting many places such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Kenya, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Ireland, England, Mexico and the Caribbean Islands, she always felt that her involvement with HOHACF for the last 27 years was the most rewarding. For the last two years, David has been working to continue the Charity hoping to expand the rescue to include children education, particularly adding animals to introduce an inclusive process for teaching children diagnosed with autism along with others about animal care, appreciation, and love to bridge the understanding and familiarity at an early age. Joni would love that! |
Now We Go ForwardAll of our rescued and rehomed farm animals have their unique story and purpose.
They will now play a vital role in our Growing Minds Farm Education Programs, helping to teach children about compassion, responsibility, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through our inclusive approach and dedication to sustainable agriculture, we aim to empower the next generation of environmental stewards and foster a deeper connection to the natural world. Together, we sow the seeds of knowledge, compassion, and community, nurturing a brighter future for all |