Party animals included canines from Blues City Animal Rescue at Jordan’s Way Live!, a fundraiser benefitting the rescue. It was held September 13th at Neil’s.
Or, you could say, this party went to the dogs.
In addition to the dogs, who were available for fostering and/or adopting, the event featured a tank for dunking, pies for in-the-face throwing, and pizzas for eating. The event also featured Memphis celebrities, including wrestler Jerry Lawler and Memphis Flyer senior editor Bruce VanWyngarden. I was there, too. As of this writing, I didn’t hear of any of the three of us getting in the dunk tank. Or very near it.
According to its mission statement, “Jordan’s Way is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to sharing meaningful animal welfare stories that inspire people to adopt. Our efforts are publicized on social media to influence the Clearing of Shelters. Through our community outreach and advocacy, we create a buzz around shelters that builds a compassionate community of pet parents willing to provide a permanent home. Any donation made goes directly to funding our next shelter visit or to shelters in need.”
And I have to give it to Jordan’s Way founder/CEO Kris Rotonda. He didn’t stop. He was all over the place with that microphone for hours doing a live Facebook feed to raise donations.
The next day, I talked to Greg Edwards with Jordan’s Way, which is based in Clearwater, Florida. Edwards, who is Rotonda’s business partner, wasn’t on the Memphis tour, but, he says, “Generally, I would be there. I work in the front getting everybody pepped up and motivated. Keep everybody excited. Not be disappointed.”
He says Rotonda stays on the microphone getting people to donate money through the pie throwing and other stunts. “It’s all donation driven.”
They began their Jordan’s Way tour in January, 2021. “Our goal was to do all 50 states in one year. We couldn’t get all 50 states done.”
And, he says, they “raised close to $3.5 million that first year. Now, we’re well over $4 million.”
They normally do 20 shelters/rescues in 10 days. And that’s usually two a day: 10 am. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.
They raise “$5,000 on the low end, to $119,000,” Edwards says.
As for Blues City Animal Rescue, he says, “They raised a little over $9,400. It’s probably more than that. Their fundraiser will continue for a full week after our live event. So, seven days later and then it will be done.” To donate to Blues City’s fundraiser, go here.
The Memphis trip for Blues City Animal Rescue was “a special trip,” Edwards says. “They really need it and I was really happy for us to come see them.”
Rotonda began Jordan’s Way with his dog, Jordan, who lived in a shelter for three-and-a-half years, Edwards says. A Samoan-mixed breed, people thought she was aggressive. Rotonda and Jordan “immediately bonded. He adopted her.”
Rotonda thought, “Why are these animals not being adopted?”
He even “locked himself up in a kennel for 72 hours” and shared it on The Dodo, Edwards says.
“We want to make sure these animals get loved,” Edwards says. “Yes, that’s the whole point. That’s what we do.”
They want to “let the public know just what rescues are for. To shine the light on the beautiful things these people do. These people will go out of their way to help these animals to be able to be adopted and get love. They need love.”
