West Hartford’s Jade Marketing Group, located above the beaten path in Blue Back Square’s upper level on Memorial Road, is making an impact in the lives of shelter animals this holiday season.

Jade Marketing Group’s holiday pet drive team known as ‘Team Woof Pack.’ Photo credit: Amy Melvin

By Joy Taylor. Photos by Amy Melvin

In order to raise awareness for the constant need for donations and support at animal shelters, Jade Marketing Group employee Jordan Witik created the second-annual Holiday Pet Drive after having success with a similar drive in 2014 that supported the Seymour Animal Shelter.

Inspired by her late uncle Mickey who did his part to help animals in need, Jordan was hopeful this awareness effort would grow this year.

This year the bar was raised by turning into a friendly competition with points going toward box decoration, team name, team spirit, number of items in the box and variety. Seven teams were formed at this local blue jean company, and included participation from 63 employees – nearly 100 percent participation. The teams were formed by random drawing on Nov. 10, giving them exactly one month to get creative!

The team captains for the holiday pet drive were Sarah Keck, Alyssa Fetera, Elizabeth DiGiovanni, Katherine McGeever, Beth Brigham, Brianna Phillips, and Jackie Maniscalco. The teams were given wish lists from the local shelters, and got to work buying pet food, treats, litter, blankets, towels, etc.

Even Co-owner Ned Davidson got in on the fun by donning a Santa suit for the contest judging that was held on Friday, Dec. 11.

Jordan Witik was the judge for the competition (with criteria such as most creative team name, box decorations, and variety of items), and the prize was to be a two-hour happy hour at World Of Beer in Blue Back Square.

The teams really outdid themselves in the creativity category, and all together there were 24 full cartons of items donated. In the end, everyone was a winner, including the shelters, because a seven-way tie was declared and the happy hour prize went to the entire company – and some extra monetary donations were made by the company as well.

Shelters and organizations that will be helped are:

1. No Paw Left Behind, Central CT – They are a small nonprofit organization that take in homeless cats and places them in foster care until they find them loving homes.
2. The Simon Foundation Inc, Bloomfield, CT – They are a charitable, non-profit, animal rescue and adoption center.
3. Connecticut Humane Society, Newington, CT – The Connecticut Humane Society has a rich history, strong leadership, and excellent programs which prepare each pet for a long and healthy life in a loving and supportive home.
4. Protectors of Animals, East Hartford, CT – POA is run entirely by dedicated volunteers.

Jade Marketing Group’s holiday pet drive team known as ‘Sammy Sammy Samsonite.’ Photo credit: Amy Melvin

Jade Marketing Group’s holiday pet drive team known as ‘Team Catdog.’ Photo credit: Amy Melvin

Jade Marketing Group’s holiday pet drive team known as ‘The Nine Lives.’ Photo credit: Amy Melvin

Jade Marketing Group’s holiday pet drive team known as ‘Santa and his Denim Deer.’ Photo credit: Amy Melvin

Jade Marketing Group’s holiday pet drive team known as ‘Snoop Dawgz & Katz.’ Photo credit: Amy Melvin

Jade Marketing Group’s holiday pet drive team known as ‘Team Paws for a Cause.’ Photo credit: Amy Melvin

Jade Marketing Group employees pose for a group picture. Photo credit: Amy Melvin

Jade Marketing Group’s holiday pet drive was the brainchild of employee Jordan Witik and raised money and food for 4 local animal shelters. Photo credit: Amy Melvin

Two truck-loads of pet supplies were delivered by Jade Marketing Group employee Jordan Witik to shelters on December 12. submitted photo