It’s almost here! The day where us proud Pittsburghers near and far have an 18-hour opportunity to make a charitable donation to our favorite art non-profits. Arts Day of Giving or ArtDOG is sponsored by the passionate Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council (GPAC) and The Pittsburgh Foundation with the intention to honor organizations that bring together residents from eight different surrounding counties. Mark your calendar for next Thursday, October 2nd!!

Unlike normal charity gifts - each and every donation from $15-1,000 made during ArtDOG will be partially matched by The Heinz Endowments. This advantage allows each of our donations to go even further than our own generosity. And this may allow some of us to contribute more than one gift, spreading the love to several organizations. To peruse the list of marvelous participants, head over here.

New to the program this year is a fund that will give directly to five artists. Sponsored by GPAC, the Unleashed Artists Fund celebrates these five that were randomly chosen during the Artist Party + Dog Fashion Show held earlier this month. A contribution to Unleashed is unique because not only will it support what GPAC does, it will also help these working artists to expand upon their practice. Get excited and check out the work of the lucky winners - Mike McSorley, Sherri Roberts, Shaunda Miles, Lorraine Vullo and Brian Sesack!

In the meantime, when you find yourself craving a fun take on an American treat - head over to Franktuary for an actual ArtDOG. For $5 you get one of their delicious franks served on an artists palette featuring an assortment of condiments to both season and decorate your dog. $1 from each frankfurter will go to the Unleased Artists Fund.

The arts are a very important component to all of our communities! They provide a genuine environment where people come together for inspiration, expression, camaraderie, and intention. Opportunities like ArtDOG help organizations that promote these qualities to continue their outstanding programming that is available to EVERYONE in our area.

Whether your gift is large or small, dedicated to one organization or split between several, each and every donation is 100% tax deductible (which sweetens the deal alongside the partially matched bonus!).

Your donation furthers the advantage of Pittsburgh as a home, industry incubator and playground. Last ArtDOG nearly $1.9 million was raised! What can we do together this year?

P.S. Any fun-loving individuals or families looking for a sweet canine companion, Mr. Theo, from Animal Friends and the campaigns mascot, is up for adoption and ready to join you in life’s adventures!!

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