A pair of local women recently released a calendar for sale in shops and stores throughout Santa Cruz County with the goal of raising funds for local nonprofit organizations that support the well-being of animals.
“It’s the first time we’ve ever done something like this,” said Scotts Valley resident Mari Rodriguez, who partnered with graphic designer Heidi Heath Garwood to produce Rescue Tales — a 16-month calendar designed to highlight and increase awareness of local animal rescue or support organizations.
“Each month features a different nonprofit organization,” Rodriguez said. “They’re all animal rescues or animal-themed.”
Earlier this year, Rodriguez and Heath Garwood began reaching out to the 16 organizations to be featured — which included Project Purr, Animal Friends Rescue Project, The Rabbit Haven, and Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.
“It’s a great project,” said Heath Garwood. “I’m a big dog lover and I’ve had many rescues.”
Ten percent of the proceeds from the sales of the $15 calendars will be divided equally amongst the 16 featured nonprofit organizations.
The idea for a calendar has been a pet project of Rodriguez’s ever since she adopted Henry Keller, a deaf Dalmatian, and worked with local animal advocacy organizations to learn how to care for her dog’s special needs.
“That whole experience was what really sent me into the world of animal rescue in a new way,” Rodriguez said. “I wanted to do something that no one else is doing.”
It was that experience with Henry Keller that led Rodriguez to, in 2010, found The Honorable Dalmatian, an online retail store that features animal-inspired art, jewelry, apparel and greeting cards, locally-roasted coffee beans, as well as women’s clothing and accessories. Every purchase made at The Honorable Dalmatian benefits local animal causes as well.
To cover the costs of printing the calendars, Rodriguez said, 33 local businesses purchased custom advertisements that Heath Garwood designed to include the furry friends of the businesses’ staff.
“It’s animal people that are going to be buying this calendar,” Rodriguez said.
The calendars are available throughout Santa Cruz County at places such as the Boulder Creek Pharmacy, the Ben Lomond Market, and Skin Essence in Scotts Valley.
A complete list of places where the calendar is available for purchase can be found at www.thehonorabledalmatian.com.
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