Similar to the Cow Parade that took place in West Hartford in 2007 and Paws for a Cause in Windsor in 2009, Windsor will see dozens of fiberglass dogs and cats decorated by local artists placed around town to not only promote area merchants and businesses, but also raise money for the Windsor Education Foundation and Windsor Chamber of Commerce, both non-profit organizations. "This is a fantastic way to transform the Town of Windsor for the spring of 2014 and raise money needed to fund the important programs and activities supported by the Windsor Education Foundation and the Windsor Chamber of Commerce," says Richard Vassallo, Vice President of Windsor Education Foundation and an attorney with Windsor law firm O'Malley, Deneen, Leary, Messina and Oswecki. "Public art events across the country have been shown to increase traffic for area businesses and are a really fun way to showcase local artistic talent. We're very excited to be hosting this event." Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring a dog or cat pay $500 or $1,000 and can paint their chosen animal or find a local artist to design the animal. The decorated dogs and cats will then be on display at the sponsor locations and a few select events from April to May 2014 until they are auctioned off with the proceeds funding Windsor Education Foundation and Windosr Chamber of Commerce programs. "We're just starting the process of finding local businesses interested in sponsoring a dog or cat and area artists who would be interested in participating," says Jane Garibay, Executive Director of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce. "Anyone interested in designing or sponsoring a dog or cat are asked to visit the Windsor Education Foundation website or the Windsor Chamber of Commerce website at www.WindsorEducationFoundation.org or www.WindsorCC.org to download artist and/or sponsor forms. Or they can call (860) 712-5514 or 860-688-5165." The Windsor Education Foundation encourages community support for excellence in public education and provides funding for innovative projects and programs. For more information visit their website at www.WindsorEducationFoundation.org The Windsor Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization whose goal is to provide voice for the Business Community on issues of public policy, help businesses to work together for their mutual benefit and advocate initiatives that enhance the town's and region's economic vitality and quality of life. You can read more about the Windsor Chamber of Commerce online at www.WindsorCC.org. |