If you’re a regular DogTime reader, you probably know by now that It’s All About the Paws (IAATP) is one of my favorite animal rescues. You may recall the Annual Adoption event and 5k we attended.
With such a wonderful cause — both rescuing animals independently and supporting other animal rescues — as well as fun and unique, dog-friendly events, what’s not to love?
This May, the IAATP team dreamed up another special event: Blooms & Blossoms, in honor of May Day and Mother’s Day. We were so excited to attend and catch up with Erika Seibert, the organization’s founder and president. Here’s what happened!
Ice Cream, Sunshine, & A Great Cause!
It’s All About the Paws rescue partnered with a few different local vendors for a fun event to raise money and awareness. Kimmer’s Ice Cream in St. Charles, Illinois hosted the outdoor affair. What could be more enticing than delicious and homemade ice cream and a good cause, especially on what turned out to be a beautiful day?
I was so excited for the event. It would be my husband Dave’s and my first date out in over a year, thanks to 2020 and the coronavirus, and we love to bring our sweet senior Maltipoo, Leia, with us whenever we can.
I was determined to get the best accessories ready for the event. For myself, I chose my dog-print mask that my mom made for me, just in case I’d need to go inside or encounter a big crowd, and the dog paw bracelet my mother-in-law got me for Christmas.
As for Leia — well, I’m not sure she gets quite as excited about accessorizing as I do for her, but she at least tolerates it. Since it was a “Blooms & Blossoms” event, I knew she’d want to be a helpful pollinator.
We honestly had the best time at this fun event. It felt so good to be attending an animal rescue event in person again, with the weather warming up and allowing us to gather safely outside.
On a personal note, it also felt wonderful to be on a date out again, especially with our favorite little girl! Kimmer’s had delicious ice cream, which was perfect for the surprisingly early heat in May.
It was extremely windy, which was perhaps more expected for spring, and it kept the heat down, but not our spirits!
Plus, we really enjoyed shopping the cute items in the fundraiser, which made for great gifts.
One of my favorite parts about the IAATP events is getting to catch up with the organization’s founder and president, Erika Seibert! Here’s what she had to say.
The Inside Scoop On Blooms & Blossoms
AMANDA: Erika, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us again!
ERIKA: My pleasure!
AMANDA: What was your vision for the first IAATP Blooms & Blossoms Mother’s Day event? It was such a cool, unique blend of activities and fundraising ventures, all rolled into one.
ERIKA: We wanted to have an opportunity to show our appreciation for all the mamas, both of humans and animals,) out there. It’s been a tough year for so many. Plus, as usual, we love being involved in our community.
Meeting new faces, seeing old friends, obsessing over dogs that come to visit; it brings it all together for us.
AMANDA: That is so kind of you, and you did such a great job! Was the event more or less successful than you’d hoped? How much did you raise?
ERIKA: We were right on track with this event. It was small, but our goal was to at least come out even, and that’s exactly what happened. We didn’t make anything, but we didn’t lose anything, either, and that’s huge for small organizations.
What we did was make new acquaintances and relationships, which at the end of the day is the most important if we want to continue to grow.
Small Businesses Partner Up For Animals
AMANDA: Did you have sponsors for this event? How did you partner with businesses for this fundraiser?
ERIKA: We didn’t have any sponsors for this event. However, we partnered with three amazing small businesses: The Local Petaler, Kimmer’s Ice Cream, and Swanky Cakes. All three businesses are local to the St. Charles, Illinois area — Swanky Cakes is in nearby Geneva — and huge animal lovers.
We absolutely loved bringing everyone together for something that we all love: saving more animals!
The Local Petaler donated part of the proceeds from their May Day Flower Sale; Kimmer’s donated their space for us, along with raffle items; and Swanky Cakes donated cupcakes for us to sell.
AMANDA: Was this raising money for a specific fund for your rescue?
ERIKA: Nothing specific. With being a smaller/newer nonprofit (or really any nonprofit for that matter) we are always low on funds and supplies. Funding is an absolute constant and something we need to continue growing so we can continue our efforts in our community.
AMANDA: That makes sense!
AMANDA: Will this be an annual event? If so, how do you hope this event will grow in the future?
ERIKA: Absolutely! At least, we hope so! We would love for it to be a weekend where everyone shops for their moms and also an event where we can continue to partner with other small businesses.
AMANDA: What a great idea. We certainly took advantage of that with some shopping, personally!
What’s Next For IAATP?
AMANDA: What’s on the horizon? Are there other events supporters could attend?
ERIKA: We don’t have much planned… yet. But, our event committee officially starts planning June 1st for our annual adoption event. This is our seventh annual adoption/fundraising event. It’s our biggest event of the year, and it holds a very special place in our hearts, as this event is how our organization started.
It’s October 9th and 10th, so you can imagine how much fun it is with four months of planning!
AMANDA: Definitely! Wow, I can’t believe it’s been seven years already. That’s so impressive! I remember how much fun we had at last year’s event, which was our first with you, and we can’t wait to go again this year!
ERIKA: Thank you!
You Can Join The IAATP Team & Help Animals!
AMANDA: Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
ERIKA: We are always looking to add members to our team. As our team continues to grow so does our organization and efforts.
If someone is looking for a place to help the animal community as a committed volunteer, we would love to have you. Join our event committee, adoption event committee, transport, administrative, marketing, or social media team.
We can always find a place for passionate people!
AMANDA: That’s wonderful. I hope you get some great applicants! Thanks so much again for all you do for animals, as well as taking the time for another interview with us. We can’t wait to see you at your next event!
ERIKA: You’re welcome, and thank you so much!
Keep Up With IAATP & Friends
For more information about It’s All About the Paws, please visit their website, Facebook, or Instagram.
To find out about adopting Millie, please see her page on the IAATP website.
For more information about Kimmer’s Ice Cream, The Local Petaler, or Swanky Cakes, please visit their websites.
To follow Leia’s adventures and outfits, please follow her on Facebook or Instagram.
Would you like to attend an event like the Blooms & Blossoms Mother’s Day fundraiser? Will you help support “It’s All About the Paws” and the great work they do? Let us know in the comments below!
