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October 19, 2021

Address Makeover Gals Raise Thousands of Dollars for Hand in Paw Through “Sips-n-Strokes” Painting Parties

Birmingham, AL:

Local realtors Ashley Lemley and Gina Musser, AKA the “Address Makeover Gals”, have combined their passion for art and animals by hosting Sips-n-Strokes fundraisers to support Hand in Paw. In total, the Address Makeover Gals have contributed over $3,000 to support the nonprofits mission to improve human health and well-being through Animal-Assisted Therapy.

In 2018, Ashley experienced the healing power of Animal-Assisted Therapy firsthand when her school faced a great deal of tragedy during her last year of teaching. “Hand in Paw stepped in and brought an army of volunteers and dogs for several days in a row. For those few days, we felt peace, laughter and lots of smiles through the kindness of Hand in Paw volunteers.”

Through Sips-n-Strokes, Gina and Ashley can offer a combination of art and animal therapy while simultaneously giving back to the community. The painting “pawtys” are kicked off by Hand in Paw Therapy Teams who share stories about how their volunteer experience has positively impacted the community; attendees learn more about Hand in Paw’s programs, HIP Heals, HIP Reads and HIP Cares. After Hand in Paw teams have visited with the group, Gina and Ashley take turns instructing the painting process. Unsurprisingly, painting portraits frequently feature the attendees’ pets!

“The knowledge Ashley and I may make a small difference by supporting Hand in Paw’s mission brings us joy and confidence; because of these fundraisers, someone in need of Hand in Paw support will be given the opportunity to experience the positive feelings a therapy dog or cat can bring. They provide true, nonjudgmental, unconditional love,” notes Gina.

The Address Makeover Gals will offer more Sips-n-Strokes classes in the future to benefit Hand in Paw. Sips-n-Strokes attendees are asked to donate a minimum of $30 to participate. For more information, please contact Ashley Foster at ashley@handinpaw.org.

To learn more about Hand in Paw, please visit www.handinpaw.org.  

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ABOUT HAND IN PAW

With a mission to improve human health & well-being, Hand in Paw is Alabama’s premier Animal-Assisted Therapy provider and Animal Advocacy Organization. Hand in Paw’s professionally-trained volunteer handler and animal Therapy Teams help improve people’s day to day lives in several medical centers, schools, and human service organizations throughout North Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa. Our volunteer teams make thousands of beneficial visits through community events and participating facilities each year, helping countless children with special needs, at-risk youth, struggling students, and people with chronic and terminal illnesses. At no time has Hand in Paw charged for its services. For more information, visit www.handinpaw.org.