Paw Prints is the second annual event sponsored by the Young Professionals Division of Gabriel’s Angels, a nonprofit that brings healing pet therapy to at-risk children. Guest artists, who are all well-known members of the community (including several from the Jewish community), have been invited to create one-of-a kind paintings over the course of 30 days. “We gave each a canvas with our logo, which is a paw print and a handprint,” says volunteer Sarah Katz, the events committee co-chair. “We didn’t give them any limitations, so we’re very excited to see the final products! We consider this our ‘Dancing with the Stars through Artwork’ event,” she adds.
The art will be unveiled at 7:30 pm, Feb. 20, at the Allstate Appliance Showroom in Scottsdale. At press time there was still room for a few more artists, but early confirmations were already in for Chelsey Davis, morning traffic anchor for CBS 5; Jennifer Kaplan, owner of Evolve PR; Howler, the Arizona Coyotes mascot; Kyrsten Sinema, U.S. Congresswoman, District 9; Joe Courtney, Phoenix Suns, retired; Andy Izquierdo, VP corporate affairs, PetSmart; Kolbe Granville, Tempe City councilman; Tom Ambrose, community leader; and Phoenix City Councilwoman Thelda Williams.
Jen Kaplan is thrilled to be a part of the program. “I am such a believer in the importance of animals in our lives, especially the unconditional love they provide to kiddos. Gabriel’s Angels has found a perfect way to provide love and friendship to the youth that need it the most, and they can truly show the success these relationships have on these kids as they overcome challenges,” says the energetic PR maven. She acknowledges she’s not an artist, but says, “It is an honor to help create something that will benefit the organization, and I get to use my creative skills. This is a unique way to bring awareness and dollars to the organization. I am excited to see what everyone else puts together, and how we can all interpret our talents into fundraising.”
Sarah, whose day job is with PetSmart Charities, is spearheading the event along with Michele Shipitofsky, chief development officer of Gabriel’s Angels. The chair of the Young Professionals Board is Nathan Hoffman, who co-founded the board with CEO Pam Gaber. Pam founded the charity in 2000 with the able assistance of Gabriel, her Weimaraner puppy, who served with distinction and countless tail wags as the organization’s first therapy dog.
By bringing warm, loving pet therapy to at-risk children, Gabriel’s Angels nurtures their emotional development and enhances the quality of their lives. The nonprofit realizes its goals by training and sending in registered therapy teams, made up of an individual and his/her companion pet, generally a dog, to engage the children to develop and improve healthy core behaviors critical to normal development.
Proceeds from Paw Prints 2015 will help Gabriel’s Angels continue to serve approximately 14,000 children around Arizona. Attendees will be able to vote for their favorite painting by donating $10 per vote or $100 per 20 votes, with the top three paintings earning a People’s Choice award. Also taking place during the event will be the Judges’ Choice awards, a silent auction and raffle. Tasty human treats are provided by Mitch Katz of Arizona Catering.
