UPTOWN — A local children’s author and neighborhood coffee shop are teaming up to host a holiday party Saturday that will benefit local shelter animals.
“Happy Pawlidays” will take place from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at Everybody’s Coffee, 935 W. Wilson Ave., where a dog-themed holiday party will be held. The event is organized by Savy Leiser, an Uptown-based author and business owner whose “Furever Home Friends” book and toy series teaches kids about — and financially benefits — local rescue dogs.
Leiser launched her small business in 2017 with books that highlight true stories about local dogs. The books also seek to discuss important social issues in ways kids can digest. For example, a dog with scars on its face from abuse can teach kids important lessons about prejudice, Leiser said.
Last year, Everybody’s Coffee held a book release event for Leiser’s newest title, “Kringle’s Christmas.” The book tells the story of Kringle, a deaf dog who was brought to ALIVE Rescue’s shelter on Christmas one year.
Lesier looped ALIVE Rescue into the event, which served as a fundraiser for the shelter. The event was a hit, so now the groups are seeking to turn it into a yearly tradition, Leiser said.
“It kind of just turned into an early celebration of the holidays, of the shelter and of helping local dogs,” she said. “We decided we want to try it yearly.”
This year’s event will include Leiser reading from “Kringle’s Christmas” as well as a book signing by Leiser and illustrator Jan Spivey Gilchrist. Books and stuffed animals of characters from the books will be available for sale. SweetJory’s, a local craft vendor, will also be on hand selling customizable ornaments and other holiday goods.
Volunteers from the West Loop’s ALIVE Rescue will also be there to discuss ways to adopt dogs or help the shelter. Attendees will be asked to donate to the shelter, either through a monetary donation or by donating goods like dog food or appropriate gift cards. A portion of profits from all “Furever Home Friends” books and toys also benefits the animal shelter.
Like her book series, Leiser hopes the event can raise awareness — and funds — for local needy dogs and the people that come to their rescue.
“It’s all about supporting local dogs,” she said.
For more information on the event, click here.
Do stories like this matter to you? Subscribe to Block Club Chicago. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Block Club Chicago is also participating in NewsMatch 2019, allowing all donations to our 501(c)(3) newsroom to be matched dollar for dollar through Dec. 31. You can donate here.