My Inspiration

Hi, I'm Joseph Catalano, the creator of Project Paws: Gifts for a Cause.  I started this business in the Spring of 2024 while I was in 5th grade.  

My grandfather and both dogs I have/had inspired me to start this business.  My grandfather (Leonard Parrino), passed away in 2023, but he liked the bracelet that I got from a dog shop called Faux Paws Dog Shop, which is similar to the white bracelet shown below. He said I should make bracelets like this to raise money for Faux Paws, but the business closed soon after. I waited for something that gave me funds to jump start the project, and the Butterfly Effect Project at my school was the perfect opportunity.  This program gave $50 to any student who was accepted after submitting a proposal to give back to the community in some way.  I submitted a proposal about the bracelets and raising money to give to a no-kill shelter near us.  My dog, Cooper (Hoover-Bissell-Diesen) Catalano was one of the reasons I wanted to do this project. He passed away about 6 years ago. My current dog Buddy (Curious) Catalano was another inspiration for the project. Both were rescued from  high-kill shelters in North Carolina.  After being accepted, I looked around for a local no-kill shelter and decided on helping The Associated Humane Society of Tinton Falls, NJ.

The first items that I sold were bracelets.  These included many different colored braided bracelets and a chain link heartbeat bracelet.  I wanted to make these bracelets affordable by anyone, including my classmates, so they sell for only $2 each.  All of my profits go directly to the Associate Humane Society of Tinton Falls.  I advertised my bracelets through my mom's Facebook account, word of mouth, showing friends the bracelets I was wearing, and by having signs on the tables at my popup events.   At these events, customers suggested other types of items that might be great additions to my bracelets.  I kept these in mind for the future.

In just 42 days, I was able to raise $515 just by selling my bracelets!! On April 23rd, 2024 I donated my first check to the Associated Humane Society in Tinton Falls.   It was great to have a tour of the Humane Society and to see the cats, dogs, chickens, and ducks that are available for adoption.  It was a great day and I was incredibly excited to be able to donate to the animals in need.  

Since then, I have added necklaces, burnt wood coasters, purse/backpack charms, earrings, and keychains to my product line.  I have maintained that the prices are around the same price point so that everyone can purchase them.  I am proud to have been able to donate over $1200 in a little under a year to the Humane Society and plan to continue doing so.  Thank you for your support of my business and the shelter.