What is the purpose of the contest?
The overlying theme of the COLORS OF COMPASSION contest is to raise awareness about the connections
between child abuse and animal cruelty. Tragically, both of these vulnerable populations are often abused in similar ways within the same household. And both animals and children may suffer this abuse in silence for years with no hope of rescue. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) and the Southern
Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center (SACAC) joined forces to create this contest and give children a positive way of expressing their support for abused children and animals to help end this tragic cycle.
What is the theme of the contest?
Animals can enrich the lives of children in so many ways. They are our friends, confidents, protectors and family members. The young participants in the COLORS OF COMPASSION contest will be challenged to illustrate this deep emotional bond between humans and non-humans by interpreting this year’s theme: “Exploring the Unbreakable Bond Between Kids and Animals.” Six winning compositions will be selected
by a panel of volunteer judges. These six compositions will then be transformed into greeting cards which will be sold to raise badly needed funds for both HSSA and SACAC.
Who can participate?
Any child in 3rd thru 5th grade living in Pima, Pinal, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee or Santa Cruz counties. This includes kids in all public and private schools as well as home school programs.
Who are the beneficiaries of the contest?
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) and the Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center (SACAC) – and by extension the vulnerable populations they serve in
this community!
HSSA is the largest nonprofit animal welfare organization
in southern Arizona and is dedicated to the general welfare, sheltering and placement of animals; prevention of cruelty to animals and animal overpopulation; education
concerning humane treatment of animals; and involvement is other animal welfare issues. HSSA has the largest educational outreach program of any animal
organization in Arizona.
SACAC is a nonprofit organization that helps children who have been abused and that works to stop child abuse. Children who come to the Center talk to specially trained interviewers about what happened to them. This information is shared with the police and County Attorney. The Center also teaches children how to be safe and how to tell someone if another person has hurt them.
What is the timeline for this contest?
September 2, 2008: The COLORS OF COMPASSION contest will be announced
to the community through a large-scale media campaign which will include direct mailers to all public and private schools in southern Arizona. Official contest rules and entry forms will be available by mail, FAX, email or as downloads from the HSSA website. Children can begin submitting their entries immediately after obtaining an official entry form.
October 10, 2008: Submissions for the contest must be received at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona by 4:00 p.m. on this day.
October 14, 2008: Our panel of volunteer judges – which includes local politicians, business people, law enforcement personnel, animal and child welfare advocates – will select six winning compositions.
October 22, 2008: The winning participants will be honored at a press conference held on this date at 3:00 p.m. at the SACAC’s new location at 2329 E. Ajo Way. The winners will be presented with wonderful prize packages.
Early November: The winning compositions will be transformed into beautiful
printed greeting cards. Proceeds from these cards will jointly benefit the cruelty prevention efforts at both HSSA and SACAC. The cards will be available through HSSA, SACAC and local businesses.
How can I donate to support this unique contest and mission?
Donations and underwriting to help with the contest are always needed and appreciated. Your donation is 100% tax deductible and can be addressed to:
Humane Society of Southern Arizona / Attention: Art Contest
3450 N. Kelvin Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona 85716
Who do I contact for more information or to donate by phone?
Requests for information, entry forms or to donate by phone should be directed to Inge Koopman-Leyva or Pennie Liebig, Humane Society of Southern Arizona, at (520) 881-7405 or 881-7406, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. We can take Visa, MasterCard or American Express if you wish to donate using a credit card. You may also feel free to email us at ikoopmanleyva@hssaz.org or pliebig@hssaz.org. Thank you! |
