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The Heart Behind “Sotto la Panca” — A Sanctuary Born from Love, Loss, and Hope

We are Patrizia and Carmen, two Sicilian sisters, businesswomen, artists, and lifelong animal lovers. We’ve always been inseparable — bound not only by blood, but by the same fire for justice, compassion, and creation.

Our journey toward founding Sotto la Panca began in grief.

In the space of a short time, we lost our two beloved companions: Giulia, our brave and gentle dog, and Oscar, our wise and loving cat. Both taken from us by cancer, both leaving a void that nothing seemed able to fill. Their suffering, and our helplessness in the face of it, opened a wound — but also a path.

It was in that pain that we understood something crystal clear: we wanted to dedicate the rest of our lives to saving animals who suffer far worse, in silence — the farm animals the world forgets. Animals raised for meat and milk, for profit, not love.

But we don't stop there.

Our sanctuary will also welcome dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals abandoned or in difficulty. Because every life matters. Because everyone deserves a safe place to be loved.

Sotto la Panca is our promise — to Giulia and Oscar, to all the animals who will follow, and to ourselves. A sanctuary where no one is “just” a number. A place of healing, safety, and unconditional love. We want to build it in Sicily, our homeland, between Acireale and Giarre, where we will grow old alongside the creatures we save.

Patrizia is a painter who creates vibrant works using only her fingers, often by night, channeling the energy of Mount Etna and the Mediterranean. As CEO of JEKO SRL, she’s also a leader in promoting eco-sustainable businesses and a proud vegan.

Carmen is the director of Dirextra, an international education group for engineers. She moved to the UK in 2013, founded the award-winning Sicilian NQ restaurant in Manchester. She is vegan — a reflection of her deep respect for animals and the Earth.

Now, we are asking for your help to redevelop and fence a piece of land in Sicily and make this sanctuary real. A place where cows, pigs, goats, sheep, hens, dogs, cats, rabbits and more can live free from fear — forever.

We’ve built careers, businesses, and communities. Now, we want to build a home for the voiceless. Will you help us?

Luce’s Story: From Slaughter to Sanctuary

Luce was born small and fragile. The farmer who owned her rejected her immediately—she was too weak to be worth raising. Instead of caring for her, he handed her over to a shepherd who had a goat producing milk.

But this wasn’t an act of compassion.

The plan was to see if Luce could survive, grow, and gain weight—so she could be sold and slaughtered for Easter, as part of a banquet like happened for her brother.

That could have been the end of her story.

But we found her in time.

Moved by her innocence and resilience, we took Luce into our arms and brought her to safety. The goat, who had taken her in and fed her as her own, became her adoptive mother.

Their bond was pure and powerful.

Luce is the first inhabitant saved at the Sotto la Panca Sanctuary, along with previously saved dogs and cats. Her story inspired the creation of this sanctuary, a place where animals like her are no longer seen as food, but as lives worthy of protection.

Luce is now living a peaceful life full of love.

At Sotto la Panca, we believe every life matters — especially those most often forgotten. Founded with love and compassion, our sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing farm animals from slaughter, abuse, and neglect, offering them a forever home where they can live freely, safely, and with dignity. We will also welcome dogs and cats looking for a home

Now, we need your help to take the next big step: fence and riqualificate a piece of land in the beautiful region between Acireale and Giarre, Sicily. This land will become the heart of our sanctuary — a permanent refuge for animals in need, surrounded by nature and cared for with love.

Your support will help us:

• Redevelop and fence a land where our animals can roam and heal

• Build safe shelters and veterinary facilities

• Grow and buy food for our rescued residents

• Educate visitors about compassion and animal rights

We are a small team with a big dream: to create a world where animals are seen as individuals, not commodities. With your donation, you’re not just giving us the opportunity to create the sanctuary— you’re giving life, freedom, and hope.

Join us in building this sanctuary. Together, we can make a real difference.

From all of us at Sotto la Panca — thank you for believing in this mission.

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