MARINETTE – Animal lovers in Marinette will have an exciting opportunity on July 12 to commemorate their love for their pets. Main Street Electric Tattoo Company will create permanent art and find forever homes for animals at the Oconto County Humane Society during their upcoming tattoo event.
Shop Manager Makennah Lowis explained that finding ways to benefit the local community has been a goal of Main Street Electric Tattoo Company since Ryan and Sara Mireau opened the shop in 2012. While the business moved to a new location in 2015 and Skyler Moon and Leah Urmanski purchased it in 2022, they have continued to impact lives through art and partnerships.
Previously, the shop partnered with the Menominee Animal Shelter for a similar event.
Artists Ryan Mireau, Skyler Moon, Jake Belknap, Justin Schwartz and Julia Kobasic, as well as a few artists from The Cardinal Club, will donate their time and spend the day tattooing pre-designed flash tattoos during the walk-in fundraiser to benefit the Oconto County Humane Society.
Lowis shared that the partnership with the humane society came from a conversation with Peshtigo Veterinary Services.
“They get a lot of special needs animals in Oconto that need full surgeries and just need a little bit of extra help. So, with the money we’re donating this year, we’re really trying to get their vet bill under control for them because of everything they do for the community,” Lowis said.
The Oconto County Humane Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in the early 2000s when a group of animal lovers saw an unmet need in their community.
Shelter Director Lexi Woodworth recalled how this new partnership was formed, “It was the end of last year when Makennah [Lowis] had come to us and asked us if we wanted to partner this year. At that point in time we were $14,000 over on our veterinary budget for the year. So, that was our main focus, let’s really help counteract that deficit.”
Caring for the animals comes in many different forms, “We do everything from…amputating, allergies and respiratory issues. There’s just a whole kind of encompassing care, not just spaying and neutering, but helping the animals get healthy so they can move on to their forever home.”
Last year the Oconto County Humane Society adopted out around 700 cats and dogs.
With their goal of raising money to support veterinary bills set, Main Street Electric Tattoo Company is now readying themselves for a busy day of tattooing.
The pre-designed flash sheet will include 10-15 pet-related designs for customers to pick from. Pricing for linework begins at $40, plus an additional $10 for each color. All money raised from tattooing will go directly to the animal shelter.
There will also be raffles and prizes from local businesses and food and snacks available.
“We’re super excited for this opportunity. I’m really, really grateful to [Makennah Lowis] and the whole team there for everything that they do. I have to say, they do a majority of the work, and the leg work, and it is incredible that they do all of this at no cost for our organization,” Woodworth said.
The Main Street Electric Tattoo Company will host their fundraiser event from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, in their shop at 2739 Roosevelt Rd., Marinette. The event is walk-in only; first come, first served.
To learn more about the event, get in touch with the shop about donating a raffle basket or see what the flash designs will be, follow Main Street Electric Tattoo Company on Facebook or call (715) 330-5188.
For more information about Oconto County Humane Society, visit www.ocontoareahumane.org/ or call (920) 835-1738.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here