CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Moose’s by the Creek hosted a charity event over the weekend of June 30 where attendees could get tattoos for a cause.
The ‘Paws are the Cause’ event donated all proceeds to the Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary.
“It’s amazing to see so many people come out to support our cause,” said Sarah Cooperman, Executive Director of the Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary. “Events like these allow us to care for nearly 1000 injured or orphaned wild animals each year from across Virginia.”
Located in Nelson County, the sanctuary serves the Charlottesville area and beyond, focusing on animal rehabilitation and community education.
Partnering with Ben Around Tattoos and others, the sanctuary raised funds while bringing people’s tattoo ideas to life.
“We’ve seen tattoos featuring birds, foxes, raccoons, and botanical themes,” Cooperman noted. “One of our volunteers even got ‘I heart Rock Fish’ inked on their forearm. The response has been incredible.”
Many participants chose animal-themed tattoos with personal significance.
“I’m getting a dragonfly,” said Katie Bowers. “They’re beautiful bugs I often see on my grandma’s farm. Carrying that memory with me means a lot.”
Dean Lhospital, a sanctuary board member, shared his sentiment: “I found a pickerel frog with my sons in Sugar Hollow, so I’m getting a tattoo of it with wings. It holds sentimental value for us.”
The event not only supported wildlife conservation but also raised awareness about the importance of all creatures in our ecosystem.
“It’s crucial to remember the role possums, raccoons, and snakes play,” Bowers emphasized. “They deserve our support too.”