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ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria opens its Calendar Pet Photo Contest on Monday, kicking off a monthlong fundraiser that supports the nonprofit's work — and, this year, marks its 80th anniversary.
The contest runs from June 1 at 8 a.m. through June 30 at 8 p.m. Pet owners can enter by uploading a photo of their dog, cat, rabbit, bird, reptile or other animal and making a $35 donation; supporters then vote at $1 a vote.
The animal with the most votes at the close of June will be named Alexandria's 2027 Animal of the Year, with its photo on the front and back covers of the AWLA's 2027 calendar. The grand prize package also includes a professional photo shoot, a full-page ad in The Zebra, photos on Northern Virginia bus ads, a city proclamation naming a day in the winner's honor, and invitations to AWLA events through the year, including the league's 80th Anniversary Gala on Nov. 12.
The next three top vote-getters also receive full-page calendar photos and event invitations; entries finishing fifth through 13th get quarter-page placements. Every entrant's pet appears in the calendar, and each entry includes a mailed copy.
The contest is open to anyone — pets do not need to live in Alexandria or have been adopted from the AWLA. Entrants raising $250 or more are invited to the league's Calendar Yappy Hour and Launch Paw-ty in October; those raising $500 or more receive a curated 80th-anniversary swag bag and a chance at two free tickets to the gala.
Founded in 1946, the AWLA operates the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter and partners with the city to provide animal care, control and protection. The Calendar Pet Photo Contest is one of its largest annual fundraisers, supporting adoptions, spay and neuter assistance, education and community outreach.
Entry opens at gogophotocontest.com/awlacalendarcontest.
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