If the world is our oyster, can a bowl be our canvas? Local nonprofit organization, Wienerspiel, is encouraging members of the Bryan-College Station community to find out.
Wienerspiel was founded in March of 2018 by Judy LeUnes out of her experience in fundraising, a longtime passion for animals and her love for her own rescued pets. The mission of the organization is to “raise funds for nonprofits who help homeless, unwanted and neglected animals as well as organizations who support the human/animal bond.” Wienerspiel does not fundraise for any one organization, animal or cause in particular, and instead pools the money raised. Later this year, Wienerspiel will open a process to allow other 501c3 organizations to apply for grants, and their first round of donations will be awarded.
Many who are familiar with Wienerspiel are also familiar with the Wiener Dog Races, coming September 27-29. But LeUnes wants to assure you that their annual programming will be far more extensive than that weekend event alone. There’s a lot more to come – including a cat walk that will be a fashion show for cats and their owners and concerted efforts to expand Wienerspiel’s work with children, teaching how to treat animals with empathy through books and talks. While those are all in the works, there is also another event that is just around the corner—Bowls With a Purpose!
Bowls With a Purpose is Wienerspiel’s first large fundraising event of the calendar year. The organization has sold over 70 bowls to be decorated by members of the community, businesses, amateur and skilled artists and students from Kemp Elementary in Bryan. “We’re really excited to have the kids involved,” said LeUnes. Everyone has been decorating their bowls for the past few weeks, and will have them ready for display at the Village Cafe and Art 979 Gallery in Downtown Bryan from April 15th to May 13th. Humans and pets (on leashes!) are welcome to visit Village Cafe to admire the bowls, and can participate in their online auction through May 12th.
For folks interested in participating in their online fundraiser, all information will be posted on the Wienerspiel Facebook page. For folks who are interested in getting involved with Wienerspiel (they have internships!), or businesses that are interested in being vendors at the Wiener Races later this year, you can find contact information on the Wienerspiel website at https://wienerspiel.org.
Every month, Maroon Weekly will shine a spotlight on a nonprofit organization working in our community. If you’ve got one you’d love to see featured, let us know at marisalbgrimes@gmail.com.
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