Moon bear fundraiser coming to Brickworks on Friday

Artist Jayne Siroshton — Contributed photo

Organizers of the A Bear Called Friday event send along news about the fundraiser taking place this Friday.

Friday Harbor residents and visitors alike will have an opportunity to help save the life of one very special moon bear on Friday, June 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Brickworks.

The event, A Bear Called Friday, is the culmination of the efforts of two island residents, Jayne Siroshton and Jan Murphy. The two, both artists and animal welfare activists, hit upon the plan several months ago when discussing ways to help the organization, Animals Asia, in their efforts to liberate Asiatic black bears, or moon bears as they are widely known, from cruel bile farms across China and Vietnam. Several local artists have joined the project and donated original artworks for the event; an art sale and silent auction featuring a wine and cider tasting presented by Madrone Cellars. 

The event is free to attend, and all proceeds from the art sale and auction will go towards rescuing and sponsoring a moon bear, who will live out his or her life at one of Animals Asia’s award-winning sanctuaries. 

Animals Asia was founded over 20 years ago by Jill Robinson, who discovered the horrific cruelty inherent in the practice of bile farming in many parts of Asia during a visit to China. Since that time, the organization has rescued and provided sanctuary for hundreds of moon bears and has worked to successfully end the industry in Vietnam. Murphy, who serves on the Animals Asia USA Board of directors, says, “Sadly, thousands of bears remain prisoners of barbaric bile farms throughout China, so there remains a lot of work to be done. Very soon, we hope to eradicate the bear bile industry all together.”

Animals Asia is also making great strides towards ending cruel captive animal entertainment venues, including elephant riding parks and inhumane circus performances. The organization proudly works with rescue groups, shelters and animal welfare volunteers across China and Vietnam to end dog and cat farming for meat markets as well as raising awareness of the value of animal welfare in schools and local communities. 

Artists who have donated artworks for the sale are Jaime Ellsworth, Debbie Daniels, Teresa Smith, Alison Engle, Winnie Brumsickle, Kirk Furmeister, Laura Bauer, Pamela Hoke, Elizabeth Farr, Shannon Borg, Jan Murphy, Jayne Siroshton, Barbara Duzan, Ray Glantz, David Harsh, Diana O’Brian, Lauren Jawer, and Lisa Lamoreaux.

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