She has raised $1,000 for animal shelter
She’s an artist, businesswoman and charity event organizer—and all at just 9 years old.
“I try to raise at least $100 a month for the shelter,” Evie Lacey said. “I love dogs so much.”
Over the last year, Evie has raised more than $1,000 for the Gilmer County Animal Shelter (GCAS).
Her work with the shelter started when her family brought her there while looking for a new dog.
“I decided when I met the dogs at the shelter that I really wanted to help them,” she said.
After she left, Evie started making art and dog treats to sell for the shelter.
“I have an art studio in my house, so I sometimes come to the farmer’s market and paint portraits of dogs,” she said. “I love painting.”
Evie’s life is filled with her passion for dogs. Her family’s dog, Cooper, sleeps in her room “all the time.” On her birthday, she requested that friends and family donate to GCAS, and invited dogs in need of adoption to the party.
Some of the dogs she paints are from GCAS. Others are commission paintings people request of their pets.
“They usually send us a picture so I can paint them,” Evie said.
The paintings range in cost depending on their size. The smallest ones cost $5.
Dog paintings include the animal’s name as well as a colorful background.
Evie’s dog treats cost $1 per ounce.
Those interested in buying from Evie can contact Paws in Need at ellijaypaws.org.
Evie’s mother, Charis, and father, Davis, homeschool her and her brother, Haddon. When Evie started raising funds for GCAS, they told her to buy her materials and ingredients herself.
“She has to invest in the dog treats, and then make them, and then sell them,” Charis said.
Every Friday, Evie visits the GCAS to help care for the dogs she’s supported.
There’s one thing Evie most wants local dog owners to know.
“Adopt more dogs,” she said. “If all the dogs don’t get spayed and neutered, we’re just gonna have more dogs and more dogs and more dogs.”