MUSCATINE, Iowa–Though the end of the year remains months away, It Takes a Village Animal Rescue and Resources has already started planning for a good year ahead. To help continue to cover their operating costs, It Takes A Village will publish their first ever rescue dogs calendar this month.
As It Takes a Village thought about fundraising options to cover the many expenses it incurs every day, its board came up with the idea of selling a calendar featuring a different rescue dog every month. Though It Takes a Village’s governing board had thought about the project for several months, It Takes a Village founder Meagan Koehler credits local photographer Laura Darting for helping getting the project off the ground: “When we reached out to Laura and asked if she would be willing to help, not only did she volunteer to donate her services, but also immediately started throwing out some great ideas–the kind you just can’t turn down,” said Koehler. “We are so grateful for her generosity!”
Each month of the calendar will feature the portrait of an adopted dog. Koehler got models for the project by sharing information about it on Facebook and requesting $100 donations to feature dogs from the greater Muscatine County area on a first come first served basis. Additionally, Koehler has sought out business sponsors for each month, giving them a prominent spot for their logo on the lower page of each month. Though Koehler has enough dogs for each month of the calendar, she has several business openings left and encourages interested businesses to email her about sponsoring a month of the calendar.
With the calendars nearing completion, Koehler hopes to put them on sale by the end of the month. In addition to selling them out of It Takes a Villages’ quarantine facility at 1510 Grandview Avenue, Suite 1 in Muscatine, Koehler plans to announce other in person or online options for ordering calendars soon.
A creative take on classic animal calendars, Koehler believes the concept of a rescue dog calendar, featuring the work of a celebrated local photographer, will appear to animal lovers throughout the area. “We cannot wait to see what Laura has cooked up!” enthused Koehler: “Anyone that is familiar with her work, not only knows her immense talent, but also her humor. This is going to be great!
Through calendar sales, Koehler hopes to bring in at least $15,000. All the money raised will go to overhead expenses, such as utility payments, building maintenance, vehicle maintenance, and other such necessities. Koehler hopes the community will understand their importance of taking care of these costs and rally behind this unique calendar for a cause.
