Time is running out for businesses to purchase statues for the “Pets on Parade” fundraiser for the South Suburban Humane Society. Applications for this fundraiser are due on Wednesday, March 15. The art project will kick off at this year’s Homewood Art and Garden Street Fair on June 9 and 10.
outreach manager for the
South Suburban Humane
Society, poses with “Buddy,”
one of the Pets on Parade
statues that local organizations
and individuals can adopt
and decorate. The program
will benefit SSHS. (Photo by
Eric Crump/H-F Chronicle)
Time is running out for businesses to purchase statues for the “Pets on Parade” fundraiser for the South Suburban Humane Society. Applications for this fundraiser are due on Wednesday, March 15.
The art project will kick off at this year’s Homewood Art and Garden Street Fair on June 9 and 10.
Local businesses are invited to purchase one of of six life-sized fiberglass cat or dog statues, each in different poses. The three cat and three dog models come in various sizes with cats ranging in price from $150 to $350 and dogs at $275 to $350.
The statues will adorn the streets of downtown Homewood this summer, each painted in unique styles by individuals and businesses. Bottle & Bottega in downtown Homewood is hosting painting parties for companies that are looking to turn their participation in “Pets on Parade” into a team-building experience. The statues will be presented at opening night of the Art and Garden Street Fair.
“The germ of the ‘Pets on Parade’ project came from the South Suburban Humane Society,” said Zach Thomas, Homewood’s community marketing and events director.
The humane society approached Homewood last fall with the idea of populating the downtown area with painted pets “and we loved the visual,” he said.
“The program is a little like the ‘Cows on Parade’ program in Chicago, or in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, the ‘Big Pig Gig,’” Thomas said. The project has been in the works since October.
After the fair, statues will be placed throughout downtown Homewood and will remain there during the summer season. On Sept. 16 at the Village’s Fall Fest celebration, statues will be auctioned off to benefit the South Suburban Humane Society’s adoption, veterinary service and animal advocacy programs.
“I can’t wait to see how all the participants have decorated their pets,” said Thomas.
He said Homewood is filled with creative people who love their pets.
“This is the perfect project for them to rally around,” Thomas said. “The statues will give a whimsical charm to the downtown area through the entire summer season. What we’re really excited about is how the statues are going to benefit one of our favorite non-profits, the South Suburban Humane Society, that does so much good work for animal welfare within the region.”
For more information on how to order a statue, contact Jacob Engelman at the South Suburban Humane Society at 708-755-7387, ext. 289 or [email protected].