Chihuahuas Unveil Creative Kids Jersey
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EL PASO, Texas - July 29, 2015 - Following the success of last season's GECU Bark at the Park campaign that raised more than $20,000 in donations and won Minor League Baseball's Promotion of the Year, the Chihuahuas unveiled Dog Jersey 2.0 today. The jersey, which also encompasses the face of a dog, was created by children from the non-profit organization Creative Kids, Inc.
The Andy Warhol-style jersey will be auctioned on Sunday, August 2nd during the third and final 2015 GECU Bark at the Park. The proceeds will benefit Creative Kids, Inc., with a portion also going towards From the Heart Rescue, both local El Paso non-profit organizations.The Chihuahuas will also be giving away Chico Bobble-bellies to the first 2,000 fans with paid admission in attendance.
"We are so fortunate to work with GECU, Creative Kids and From the Heart Rescue on such a signature and impactful event," said El Paso Chihuahuas General Manager Brad Taylor.
"The jersey auction will be a fun way to raise funds for the Creative Kids organization," said Andrea Gates-Ingle, executive director of Creative Kids, Inc. "It will be exciting to see the team adorned in Creative Kids inspired Chihuahuas artwork."
"The voice of the Chihuahuas has meant the world to our organization and the dogs we serve through our rehabilitation program," said Director Emeritus Brandy Gardes. "It is because of the Chihuahuas support that dogs like Chia and Scooter were able to receive the wheelchairs they needed to live an active lifestyle."
The mission of Creative Kids is to extend the reach of art expression to more than 600 diverse student population groups through a varied array of "hands-on" working assignments. Creative Kids houses various programs including Project AIM that was recently recognized by the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities as a 2013 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award winner.
"It is an honor to have these kids design the jersey we will wear on August 2nd," said Taylor. "I hope the community will continue to show its great suppor for Creative Kids and From the Heart."
The majority of children participating in Creative Kids programs come from modest socio-economic means, broken homes, have limited formal schooling and some are battling chronic or terminal illnesses.
The Chihuahuas Wall art displayed in the WestStar Bank Club combined traditional photography, color theory and silkscreen techniques. The students at OLO Gallery applied printers' ink in multiple layers over a compressed hardboard, then detailed each individual plate with acrylic paint to produce a finished and beautiful piece of memorable art that now hangs in Southwest University Park's Club Level.
Creative Kids artwork is not just limited to the Chihuahuas Wall. More can be seen throughout the ballpark, including a collection of graphic art on the Press Level.
"Showcasing the Creative Kids artwork in the ballpark has been a great way to spread our mission and have the community see the depth and creativity our children have to offer," said Gates-Ingle. "This helps to bring more attention to our program and the partnership we have with the El Paso Chihuahuas."
The Chihuahuas and Creative Kids' partnership does not end there. The Chihuahuas are currently selling the organization's merchandise in the Team Shop with 100% of the profits going directly back to Creative Kids.
From the Heart Rescue is a rehabilitative and life-enhancing rescue dedicated to serving abandoned, senior, injured, abused and medically-challenged dogs overlooked by other rescues/shelters. Founded in January 2004 to fill a need in the community, From the Heart is currently the only rescue of its type in the region.
More than 85% of the animals served by From the Heart Rescue need surgical or other extra-ordinary care (wheelchairs, braces, etc.) prior to being adoptable. Veterinary and medical supply bills average $65,000 per year and account for 85% of the yearly budget.
For more information on Creative Kids, visit CreativeKidsArt.com. For information on From the Heart Rescue, go to www.fthar.org.
CREATIVE KIDS, INC. CHIHUAHUAS WALL PROCESS
FROM THE HEART RESCUE
