‘Paint Party’ Tomorrow Benefits Pittsburgh Animal Rescue

by Jonathan Weaver

A Kittanning fundraiser tomorrow could potentially donate hundreds of dollars to a regional animal rescue group.

A painting party conducted by Spark Art Parties at Living Water Church on Woodward Avenue will be held from 1-3PM to benefit the non-profit Essence of Love Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh.

Nicole (Ulisky) Hynes of Kittanning started Spark Art Parties in July, but led her first party at the Wick City Saloon in September. She has hosted parties there at least once per month, and has also expanded into private parties for both girls and women, but this will be her first fundraiser.

A friend of Hynes (who has adopted and is currently fostering two puppies rescued in Mississippi) inspired her to fundraise for the non-profit.

A Kittanning Senior High 1993 graduate (and rescue parent to a two-year-old chiweenie – a mix between a Chihuahua and Dachshund – named Bindi), Hynes has a degree from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and plans to one day expand into other art forms – such as music or cooking – but recognizes painting is currently trendy.

“I’ve been doing the paint parties around town and been getting really good feedback – everybody’s been having a lot of fun,” Hynes said.

Usually $25 each – which includes all painting supplies – tomorrow’s benefit will cost $30 each. Registration is available online or via the business Facebook page, and spaces are still available before hitting the 40-person limit.

Potential donations will also come through basket raffles and potentially a few vendors. Pizza has also been donated by Bugsy’s Pizza, based on South Jefferson Street in Kittanning and sold to benefit the nonprofit.

“For every ticket bought, I will donate $10 to the rescue,” Hynes said. “Whatever pizza we sell, that (money) is going to go toward the puppies, too, as well as (profits from) the vendors and raffle.”
If 40 people do sign up, that could mean a $400 donation or more toward animal rescue efforts – which would be a big boost, Essence of Love Animal Rescue Founder Kerbie Collinger said.

“That would be great. Whenever I get (animals) from a high-kill shelter, a lot of them have medical needs so the biggest cost is veterinary care and getting them spayed and neutered, fixed, microchipped and vaccinated before I adopt out,” Collinger said.

For example, currently a litter of five puppies has been adopted, but the dogs will not be given to their new owners until all steps are complete.

A certified veterinary technician, Collinger (who visited family in Kittanning when she was younger) founded the non-profit in May 2013. She said more than 60 animals have been rescued since.

“If I know about a certain animal to rescue them, I will,” Collinger said.

A black-and-white puppy named Snoopy and a black cat named Binx currently need a new home.

People can also donate specifically to the shelter tomorrow during the event

Living Water Church Executive Pastor Andrew Laddusaw and wife, Elizabeth, rescued a six-year-old Jack Russell Terrier named Jasper years ago, and said the paint party is just the type of event the new church looks to host again in the future.

“As a church, we’re trying to be a hub for community events like that, making sure we can just be a presence in the community,” Laddusaw said. “We’re still under-construction, but once we’re done, we’re planning to make space available for rent too.”

Participants will paint a whimsical ‘giving tree’ while they can listen to music and socialize.