Jim Kilroy of Club Wars and Banzai Magazine fame has unleashed his latest endeavor, and it’s a real animal. Pawpalooza, a series of shows that generate donations to contribute to Kansas City area no-kill and low-kill animal shelters, has succeeded in raising over $1000 to date.
Kilroy was inspired to start this new philanthropic series of concert events after organizing a Mortal Reign reunion show to benefit the memorial fund of the late Kurt Halupnick.
“It was just a good feeling raising and donating that money,” Kilroy said. “As far as booking the show and the bands and whatnot, it was not that much different. The thing that is different is people’s attitudes toward it and how they perceive shows like this.”
The idea to benefit animal shelters came from Kilroy’s wife, Janice. When Kilroy came up with the idea of hosting a series of benefits, she suggested focusing on animal shelters. The couple has two dogs—a Dachshund named Penny and a Jack Russell Terrier mix named Cassie.
“She takes our dogs to lots of the Dog-N-Jog and Paws In The Park type of fundraisers that some of these places do,” Kilroy said.
They chose to donate to no-kill and low-kill shelters. Only money was collected at the first event, but Kilroy now accepts donations of supplies for shelters—such as food, leashes, and carriers—in exchange for discounted entrance to Pawpalooza events.
The first ever Pawpalooza show was Feb. 1 at the Beaumont Club in Kansas City, Mo., and raised $500, which Kilroy donated to the Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter.
“The first Pawpalooza was successful,” Kilroy said. “There was a good turnout and the bands were well received. I have tried doing shows before with various types of bands on a bill. I think this time it went over well.”
Kilroy has hosted a Pawpalooza event every four to six weeks since its inception. While he has had plenty of positive feedback from the public, he will redirect attention to other events for now, and tentatively plans to kick it back into gear in the Fall.
The next installment of Pawpalooza is Sat., April 25, at the Beaumont Club in Kansas City, Mo. Naydivz, Lipriddle, Blackout Velvet, Select Five, Cyanide Secret, The BillyBats, Rockesh and Watching the Coroner will grace the stage to raise money and collect supplies to donate to area shelters.
Don’t be surprised if Kilroy doesn’t stop the generosity with Pawpalooza. He will donate a portion of the proceeds from the Westport Meltdown on July 3 to the Red Cross, and will organize another Kurt Halupnick memorial show to collect money for Halupnick’s son’s memorial fund.
Following the most recent Pawpalooza event at the Beaumont Club, Jim Kilroy has raised $1350 and collected a carload of pet foods and supplies to donate.
