RIPLEY, Ohio — The Ripley Women’s Club is inviting the public to the Brown County Animal Shelter Shower on Oct. 5, in recognition of World Smile Day.
Harriet Grove, vice president and Home Life chairperson for the women’s club, and organizer of the event said this is the first time the organization is using this peculiar day to promote the local shelter.
“We wanted to do something different,” Grove said.
According to Grove, who received the information from the World Smile Day website, this national day was brought about by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Mass., who created the iconic ‘smiley face’ logo seen almost everywhere.
While intended as a symbol for good will and cheer on the planet, Ball was concerned that his symbol was being over commercialized, and potentially losing its intended meaning. Through his concern, Ball created World Smile Day, celebrated on the first Friday in October each year.
Grove said every two years, the Ripley Women’s Club looks at various programs to work with and support in the community, all the while recognizing different celebrations throughout the year.
With the Ripley Women’s Club partnered with the Canine Companionship Organization, recognized by the Home Life department of the club, Grove said the decision to organize the event with World Smile Day was obvious.
“It’s in honor of World Smile Day,” Grove said “to give the animals a smile.”
Donations can made for the event beginning on Monday, Oct. 1 through Thursday, Oct. 4 at the Union Township Library during regular hours. Items such as dog food, cat food, bleach, dish washing liquid and other cleaning supplies are preferred.
The event proper will be held at the Brown County Animal Shelter in Georgetown, Ohio, on Friday, Oct. 5 from 3-5 p.m. Grove said donors will receive a smiley face refrigerator magnet when they donate.
For those who cannot make it to the event, the Brown County Animal Shelter accepts donations year round.
For additional information, contact Harriet Grove at 937-377-3080.
