Archive: Business & Technology

“Meow and Bow WOW!”  That’s what both the SPCA of Tompkins County and local business, The Jewelbox, are exclaiming after cooperatively raising over $5000 to benefit Ithaca’s beloved no-kill shelter.  Maggie Thomas, Director of Development & Marketing of the SPCA of Tompkins County, confirmed today that a total of $5160 has been donated by The Jewelbox since April, 2010, when Micky Roof, jewelry designer and Jewelbox owner, first introduced the Buddy Tag as a way to fundraise for the shelter after news of an animal-hoarding and neglect case consumed the local headlines.

Now a permanent item for sale at The Jewelbox, the Buddy Tag continues to raise money for the shelter.

“Won’t it be great when we can say we’ve raised $10,000?” asks Roof excitedly.

The Jewelbox donates fifty percent of the retail price of each Buddy Tag to the SPCA of Tompkins County.  Promoted as “Jewelry for People and their Pets”, Buddy Tags are sterling silver charms embossed with the SPCA's iconic logo of a dog and cat hugging. Measuring about 19mm in diameter (the size of a penny, but thicker), Buddy Tags can be converted into other jewelry items as well - tie tacks, cuff links, pins, key chains, or even rings. There are few limits regarding how the Buddy Tag can be the customized, and its popularity is evident as donations have since exceeded $5000.

Micky Roof is thrilled with the charm’s success.

“While many people choose to wear the Buddy Tag as a pendant, there are people who do buy Buddy Tags for their pets to wear.  We can personalize the charms with engraving on the back or we can add a gemstone to the front.  We’ve even made them in gold.  It makes a perfect gift any time of year, and it’s been heartwarming to hear people’s stories.”

Buddy Tags are available exclusively at The Jewelbox on Ithaca’s West End Waterfront.

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