Uwe Schroeder, Bartender at Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar and owner/creator of Wolf Cuff Custom Leather Fashion Design is presenting the 9th annual fundraiser for Grateful Paws. This year’s motto is “RESCUE, saving lives is PAWssible,” and the benefit will, once again, be held at Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar (2266 Wilton Drive) on March 6 starting at 6 p.m. It was a pleasure to sit down with my long time friend, Uwe, to talk with him about this year’s benefit.
What can we expect at this year’s fundraiser?
Well after almost a decade producing this benefit, I am blessed with a core crew, some who have been helping me from day one. I am really grateful to have so many good people behind me every year, and also excited to see new crew members come on board. Like every year, the event will start with the VIP cocktail reception from 6 till 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person and available at Alibi or at the door that night. Each ticket will include catering by Alibi, complimentary cocktail by our liquor sponsors and a first chance to “buy now” any item from our silent auction (which again will be amazing). In addition, we will have a photo booth so everyone can get a memory of that night. At 8 p.m. the event will open to the general public and everyone can participate in the silent auction, meet our sponsors, buy 50/50 raffles, and a few more surprises. I made 100 OLLIE rescue cuffs again and got a sponsor for this year’s T-shirts (each $ 20 ) available at the event. Shortly after 9 p.m. it’s show time with the performers of the Alibi and some special guests.
Why is this year’s event particularly special for you?
It has been a few year now since my brain hemorrhage, and I have been through some ups and downs during the recovery, so I am more grateful than ever to still be able to help this amazing rescue Grateful Paws. In addition, Wolfcuff has become less of a business and more and more supporting other causes, especially on local level. My ability to “produce” is really limited but I am happy that by donating to events I can make a difference.
The biggest thing for me personally was finally the decision to honor the love for my mother with a piece of special art, a beautiful tattoo. Her name was Rosemarie and her favorite flowers were roses. It took me years to decide and get a tattoo, but finally in Stevie Moon I found not only an amazing artist but also by now a great friend. It’s been a journey, but I love it and have got nothing but positive feedback. AVI Ram, known by many from Skin Wars and by now world traveled artist will donate a “copy” of this tattoo on canvas and like the Ollie pic last year we will auction this off at the event. No surprise that this year’s decoration will have a lot of roses. By now the event has become one of the largest fundraisers on the drive and animal rescue event in town, and it’s shaping up very nice and I hope everybody will have a great time!
How can the public help?
There are many ways: the first is that you can come to this benefit and spend money. Also, and I beg of everybody to listen to this, report suspicious activities (Ex: Breeding in harmful conditions, abuse, and dog fighting), and lastly get your community involved.
What drives you to continue doing this benefit?
Saving one dog will not change the world, but for that dog the world will change forever. Dogs, for a reason that can only be described as divine, have the ability to forgive, let go of the past, and live each day joyously. It’s something the rest of us can strive for. I think anyone who has been through or is facing a life threatening illness can relate if I say that it can take you to dark places. My dog’s love got me out!
We asked Jan Milbyer, the founder of Grateful Paws, if they were excited to once again be the recipient of this benefit and she said:
“We are so honored to be the recipient of the proceeds from the WolfCuff event each year. This will be the 9th one! And we are so grateful to the entertainers who volunteer their time, and to the individuals who donate so generously to our silent auction. Grateful Paws is small but mighty, with a great team of caring volunteers on board, many of whom have been with us 11+ years. We are looking forward to yet again, another successful night at the Alibi and would like to thank everyone in advance for the efforts.”
What is your goal for this year?
To save as many animal lives as we can. I never set a monetary goal for the event, although last year we raised a record amount. I make sure that all the expenses for the event are covered by me or sponsors, and I am proud that I can say every dollar raised will go to the rescue! Whatever the number will be it will help many animals and everybody participating can go home knowing they saved lives. What can be better?
We are always looking for volunteers and especially foster homes since we do not have a shelter. We believe a loving home is better for an animal in distress than a small kennel. I love fostering. Yes, I do get attached but I love to meet the different personalities that come with every foster and it’s the best feeling in the world when you finally find them a new forever home.
Don’t forget to put the Wolf Cuff Grateful Paws benefit at the Alibi on your calendar. It’s Wednesday, March 6 starting at 6 p.m. for VIP ($20) and 8 p.m. for everyone else.
