Pet Photo Contest Raises Funds for Gilda’s Club in Royal Oak

Pet Photo Contest is an ideal opportunity to show off your photogenic pooch while raising funds for innovative programs that help people facing cancer.

The Royal Oak cancer support community’s mission is to provide a meeting place where people living with cancer, along with their families and friends, can come together to build a social and emotional support network. Free of charge and non-profit, Gilda's Club offers, seminars, workshops, specialized children's programs and social events in a nonresidential and home-like setting.

“Our goal is to raise $5,000,” said Heather Hall, the organization's executive director. “We’ve never done anything like this, so we’re not sure how it will do.”

Pet owners may register their dog, cat, bird, horse or other animal  friend by setting up a custom webpage. Registrants are encouraged to share a link and solicit votes. Every $5 donation is worth one vote.

The pet that raises the most money will win a two-night stay for two at Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island for its owner. Second- and third-place winners get prizes, too.

”Knowing that everyone loves their pet and thinks it’s really cute, we’re hoping people will really be engaged in this contest,” Hall said. ”We think this is a fun way to raise awareness for Gilda’s Club. We’re hoping everyone uses social media like Facebook and Twitter to spread the word.”

To register your pet, visit firstgiving.com/GCMD and click on "Start Fundraising"; then upload your pet's photo and share a story about why you love him/her.

The contest ends Aug. 1.