Big Frog Paws-itively Stylish K9 T-Shirt Fundraiser

K9 Unit T-Shirt Fundraiser Raises Awareness

Solon Police Officer Bill Vajdich approached Orysia D’Aurelio, owner of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More of Solon, over the summer to create a t-shirt fundraiser for the Solon Police Department Patrolmen’s Association K9 Unit. The fundraiser benefitted Henry, a therapy K9, and Mack and Vito, who are patrol K9s.

Solon Police K9 T-Shirt Fundraiser Extended to September 30

The Solon community really rallied around this cause. In August alone, Big Frog sold 168 shirts, raising $1,300 for the K9s. Due to overwhelming interest, organizers extended the t-shirt fundraiser through the end of September. Ultimately, nearly 250 t-shirts were sold, raising $2,000 for the K9 officers.

Increased Visibility for Solon Police K9s

The visibility significantly helped raise awareness about the unique needs of the K9 unit. Bills quickly accumulate for necessities like veterinarian bills, food, and training. In fact, a single bite suit, which human officers use for K9 training, costs more than $1,000. Officer Vajdich informed Orysia that because of the increased awareness through the fundraiser and other activities, someone donated body armor for one of the patrol K9s. Others have generously donated money, sometimes in substantial amounts, all of which will go toward helping the K9s.

Another heartwarming story is that one of Orysia’s acquaintances from her BNI group (Business Networking International) purchased t-shirts through the fundraiser because, when their own pet was lost, police officers found the dog. Purchasing t-shirts was a tangible way to show their gratitude.

Helping the Community and Spreading Joy

In addition to fundraisers like the current one for the K9 officers, Big Frog of Solon regularly supports other community initiatives throughout the greater Cleveland area. This includes collecting books for children (through the BNI group), and helping school, sports, churches, and other non-profits.

A veteran of corporate America for 20 years, Orysia was ready for a new challenge in 2017. She wanted to do something where she could give back to her community while also having fun. When asked if she’s pleased with decision she made six years ago, she replied, “Well, in the first six months, I got more hugs from my customers than I did in all of my 20 years in corporate America.”

Contact Big Frog of Solon

You can find Orysia and her team at Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More of Solon. The store is located at 6025 Kruse Dr. S-119, Solon, OH 44239. The store is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed on Sunday. Contact the team by phone at 440-715-7007, by email at solon@bigfrog.com, or online at BIGFROG.COM/SOLON.