LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
PARIS—Loco Estilo Ink hosted a fundraiser July 24-25 to benefit the Edgar County Animal Shelter, raising over $400 in donations despite slower turnout due to sweltering heat and a lack of air conditioning inside the shop.
“It wasn’t as busy as the last one we did for HRC,” owner Juan Hernandez said. “The heat really affected things.”
Still, the event brought together supporters of animal rescue, with several dogs available for adoption and shelter staff, including shelter manager Andrea Bouslog, in attendance. Andrea even received a tattoo during the event, adding to the fun, laid-back atmosphere.
While turnout was lighter than expected, the fundraiser drew people committed to the cause.
“Some people came in just to donate,” Hernandez said. “We had money donated strictly for the shelter without people getting a tattoo, which was really nice.”
Although they didn’t receive physical donations like dog food or accessories during the event, Loco Estilo Ink had opened the option for attendees to donate pet supplies. The focus of the day remained primarily on dogs, since cats are typically managed through the Edgar County Humane Society.
The tattoo shop worked closely with the shelter in organizing the event and was pleased with the collaboration.
“It was pretty cool,” they said. “They had a nice setup with a display of the adoptable dogs.”
Looking ahead, the shop is considering hosting another fundraiser in the fall.
“If anything, I’d be looking at doing something around October,” Hernandez said.
In the meantime, the shop’s focus is on fixing its air conditioning, which was out during the fundraiser, with hopes that it will make the next event bigger and better.
Despite the heat, the event supported the Edgar County Animal Shelter’s mission and showcased the community’s willingness to give back.