Everett pet mayor election launched
A joint fundraising effort by a local arboretum and the municipal animal shelter is inviting the public to participate in a contest to choose Everett's next pet mayor, with each dollar contributed serving as a vote for a candidate.
Proceeds generated by the campaign will be divided between the two organizations. A representative for the arboretum, located in the northern sector of the city near Legion Park, stated that all funds raised by the garden will be reinvested directly into its maintenance. The shelter's development manager noted that their portion will be allocated to a specific fund designated for veterinary care, medical treatments, surgeries, and vaccinations for animals in the shelter's custody.
Several dozen pets, including candidates named Squeaky, Dumpling, Walter P Wiggles, and Nora the Corgi Explorer, are participating in the race for the title. The competition's website displays photographs of each entrant alongside their campaign slogans, and some owners have installed signs within the arboretum to garner support.
One feline candidate, Arthur, is depicted with a medal fashioned from a cat food can lid, promoting the message "Fish in every bowl!" A canine candidate named Raisin, running on a "bi-paw-tisan platform," is campaigning with the slogan "a treat in every bowl, a ball in every yard!"
In addition to winning the title, the successful pets will receive a sash, a photo session with their owners, a gift bag from a pet store, and a one-year membership to the arboretum.
Because donations support the two nonprofits, voters are encouraged to submit as many contributions as they wish to influence the outcome. From the present time until polls close at 9 p.m. Friday, each dollar donated will count as three votes instead of one.
Regarding the rules of the contest, an organizer remarked, "It's been fun to say to people: In this election, you can cheat."
The arboretum intends to announce the winners, comprising one dog, one cat, and one stuffed animal, during its Autumn Fest Family Fun Day, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday.
To date, the campaign has collected approximately $12,600 for the arboretum and the animal shelter, according to the event's website. The two organizations have established a fundraising target of $20,000.
The shelter's development manager stated in a written comment on Wednesday that community backing through initiatives like this ensures the ability to continue offering compassionate care and positive outcomes for thousands of animals annually. She expressed gratitude to the Evergreen Arboretum Gardens and all who have participated in the fundraiser.
Voting for the next pet mayor of Everett is available at gogophotocontest.com/petmayorsevergreenarboretum. The polls will close at 9 p.m. Friday.