Rescue Brew Pet Photo Contest Returns to Support Animal Welfare Across North Carolina

A popular local fundraiser celebrating rescued pets and their stories has returned for another year. The Rescue Brew pet photo contest launched this week, bringing together Fullsteam Brewery, RTP Uncorked, and Boxyard RTP to benefit Animal Aid Alliance of North Carolina and other animal rescue organizations statewide.

The contest, which runs through July 10, invites pet owners to submit photos of their cats, dogs, or other animals for a chance to be featured on Fullsteam’s 2025 Rescue Brew beer can labels and in the 2026 Rescue Brew calendar.

“Rescue Brew is more than just a fundraiser – it’s a celebration of rescue stories,” said Julie Paddison, co-owner of RTP Uncorked and chair of the Animal Aid Alliance Advisory Committee. “We’re thrilled to collaborate again with Fullsteam and Boxyard RTP to support this cause.”

A $10 entry fee is required for each photo submission. Voting is open to the public at $1 per vote, with no limit on the number of votes cast. Photo submissions are accepted through June 30, and voting will remain open through July 10. Winners will be announced on July 15.

Portraits of the top vote-getters in each category – dogs, cats, and other pets – will be hand-illustrated by local artist Echo Lilly Wilson and photographed by Joanne Wetzel of Five Freedoms Photography for the calendar, which is set for release in October. Pets that receive 500 or more votes will also be featured on Animal Aid Alliance’s social media platforms and in its August newsletter.

In addition to celebrating pets, the contest offers financial support to animal welfare organizations. Rescue groups affiliated with winning pets will receive grants of $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000. A separate Rescue Brew Grant, equal to 10% of total funds raised (up to $10,000), will be awarded via application to qualifying organizations.

The campaign will culminate in a label reveal on July 30, followed by a public launch party on Aug. 16 at Boxyard RTP.

More information and entry details can be found at gogophotocontest.com/rescuebrew.

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