Popular Pet Portraits Fundraiser Returns
Staff & Volunteers Create One-of-a-Kind Pet Drawings to Support Anti-Cruelty Society's Animals
Many pet owners consider their four-legged friends important members of the family and take lots of photos to remember happy moments. The Anti-Cruelty Society will again offer its popular Pet Portraits fundraiser as a creative and endearing way to capture the personality and likeness of beloved pets while helping animals in need, now through Sunday, July 18.
When people share their pet’s photo and make a donation of $25 or more, a volunteer will create a one-of-a-kind portrait of the furry companion. This artistic endeavor features staff members and volunteer artists who range in age from 7 to 74, with expertise levels that vary from beginner to professional. Each artist uses a different medium creating portraits with crayons, colored pencils, pastels, watercolors, and digital stylus pens. Part of this event’s charm is that artists are chosen at random, so the final artwork reveal is always a surprise!
A record number of people added a new pet to their family during the pandemic and this fun opportunity allows them to capture the cuteness of each furry friend. Pet Portraits also make excellent birthday and holiday gifts.
During last year’s Pet Portraits fundraiser, more than 150 volunteers helped create 1,000 individual portraits which raised approximately $35,000 during a time when the Society was unable to hold any in-person fundraising events.
“This fun promotion allows members of the community an opportunity to make a difference for animals in need while receiving a unique keepsake of their pets,” said Jennifer GoodSmith, vice president of mission advancement for The Anti-Cruelty Society. “Last year’s proceeds allowed us to make an immediate impact for the animals in our care —providing food, vaccinations and medical supplies.”
To participate in Pet Portraits, visit anticruelty.org/portraits, complete the online form and make a minimum donation of $25. After the form is submitted, a confirmation email will be sent asking for a photograph of the pet(s). Once the photo is received, an artist will draw the animal and share the digital image with the recipient within a few weeks and the original artwork will be mailed.
For more information about Pet Portraits and to register, visit The Anti-Cruelty Society at anticruelty.org/portraits. The fundraiser ends on July 18.
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How it works: Pet Portraits 2021 Video
About The Anti-Cruelty Society
Founded in 1899, The Anti-Cruelty Society is Chicago’s oldest and largest, private, open-admission, unlimited stay animal welfare organization. With a mission of building a community of caring by helping pets and educating people, its comprehensive programs and services help over 50,000 animals and humans every year through adoption, charity veterinary clinic, low or no-cost spay/neuter clinic, cruelty investigations and rescue, humane education & community outreach, a free behavior helpline, dog training classes, Pop-up Pet Food Pantry program, S.A.F.E. program (short-term accommodations for emergencies), the Bruckner Rehabilitation & Treatment Center, the Virginia Butts Berger Cat Clinic and the Dog Rehabilitation Center. For more information, visit anticruelty.org.