The anti-cruelty society, Chicago pet adoption center, thought of a creative way to raise money -- pet portraits.
The city shelter has already raised over $10,000 to helping Chicago animals find homes as situations have been more difficult since the coronavirus outbreak.
“With the way things are right now, we had to think of a new fundraiser that was positive and engaged the community still," said Creative Director of the Anti-Cruelty Society John-Ryan Griggs. "And of course raise funds for helping Chicago’s animals."
Pet owners can take a photo of the animal and submit it on the website through email, where they are expected to make a donation of at least $20. The Shelter staff and volunteers with "art or art-adjacent skills" will then create the portrait.
The portrait could take up to a week to deliver by email and the original artwork could take about three weeks, according to the website.
"Here’s the catch; while our staff and volunteers have many talents, drawing might not be their strong suit," the website said. "But no matter the skill level, you will receive a truly unique portrait of your beloved pet!"
So far, the shelter has created more than 500 commissions and continue to make the artwork.
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After the Bank of America Chicago Marathon was cancelled, a major fundraiser for the Anti-Cruelty Society, the adoption center said this project is key to their funding.
