Fullsteam Brewery, RTP Uncorked, Boxyard RTP, and Animal Aid Alliance of NC team up to celebrate rescue pets and support local animal welfare groups
Durham, N.C. [April 17, 2025]– Fullsteam Brewery, RTP Uncorked, Boxyard RTP, and Animal Aid Alliance of NC, today announced an exciting collaboration to raise funds and support nonprofit organizations working to reduce animal overpopulation, homelessness, and euthanasia rates across North Carolina. The Rescue Brew photo competition opens April 23, 2025, and runs through July 10, 2025. Pet owners can submit photos of their cats, dogs, or other creatures for a chance to see their pet featured on Fullsteam’s Limited-Edition Rescue Brew 2025 beer can labels and in the 2026 Rescue Brew Calendar.
Winning pet photos will be transformed into custom portraits by local artist Echo Lilly Wilson. The top four entries in each category—cats, dogs, and other creatures—will be photographed and designed by professional pet photographer Joanne Wetzel of Five Freedoms Photography. Calendars will be available for sale in November and will raise additional funding for Animal Aid Alliance of NC.
To further support rescue organizations, Animal Aid Alliance of NC will award $3,000, $2,000, and $1,000 grants to the animal rescue organizations whose adopted or foster animals receive the highest, second-highest, and third-highest number of votes. An additional Rescue Brew grant of 10% of the total funds raised—up to $10,000—will be available to qualifying organizations, based on applications accepted from April 23 through July 10. Animals that receive 500 or more votes will also be featured on Animal Aid Alliance’s social media and in the August newsletter.
“Rescue Brew is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of rescue stories and an opportunity for pet owners to share their pets’ journey while raising funds for a great cause. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Fullsteam and Boxyard RTP to make a positive impact on animal welfare,” said Julie Paddison, co-owner of RTP Uncorked and Advisory Committee Chair with Animal Aid Alliance of NC.
How to Participate:
- Submit your pet’s photo with a brief description of why they’re the perfect face for Rescue Brew 2025.
- $10 entry fee per photo submission.
- Voters can donate $1 to cast a vote for their favorite pet photo. There is no limit to the number of votes that can be purchased.
Key Dates:
- April 23 – June 30: Online photo submission period via the Rescue Brew website.
- July 1 – July 10: Voting continues; no new photo submissions accepted after June 30.
- July 15: Contest winners announced.
- July 30: Rescue Brew can labels revealed.
- August 16: Rescue Brew Launch Party, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Boxyard RTP. Rescue Brew will be on tap, and 6 packs will be available for purchase.
- October 15: Rescue Brew 2026 Calendar release date.
Photos can be submitted here: https://www.gogophotocontest.com/animalaidalliance
Contact Information:
Animal Aid Alliance of NC
Julie Paddison
Advisory Board Chair
Phone: 202.607.6625
Email: julie@animal-aid-alliance.org
Boxyard RTP
Ana Velez
Marketing Manager at Research Triangle Foundation of NC
Phone: 919.433.1670
Email: velez@rtp.org
Fullsteam Brewery
Sean Lilly Wilson
Chief Executive Optimist
Phone: 919.246.5654
Email: sean@fullsteam.ag
RTP Uncorked
Julie Paddison
Co-Owner
Phone: 202.607.6625
Email: julie.rtpuncorked@gmail.com
About Animal Aid Alliance of NC
Animal Aid Alliance of NC supports animal rescue and nonprofit organizations aligned with humane initiatives aimed at reducing animal overpopulation, homelessness, and euthanasia rates. Through funding, marketing support, transportation assistance, and resources, they are dedicated to creating a meaningful impact on animal welfare.
About Boxyard RTP
Discover a unique retail, food and entertainment venue at Boxyard RTP, located on the western side of Hub RTP, Research Triangle Park (RTP) ‘s 100-acre downtown district. First opened in 2021, Boxyard RTP offers a dynamic indoor-outdoor gathering space, dog park and performance stage comprised of 40 upcycled shipping containers where visitors can unwind and enjoy an experience unique to the Triangle region. Committed to social entrepreneurship, Boxyard RTP collaborates with a mix of hyper-local vendors to feature diverse offerings and enhance the cultural landscape of RTP through a robust event program that includes live music, comedy nights and more, accessible to people in and out of RTP. Owned and managed by the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina (RTF), a 501(c)(4) non-profit, the Foundation’s mission is to facilitate collaboration among the Research Triangle universities, promote cooperation between Research Triangle universities and industry and create a positive economic impact for residents of North Carolina. To learn more about Boxyard RTP and upcoming events, visit https://boxyard.rtp.org/.
About Fullsteam Brewery
Fullsteam Brewery is a “plow-to-pint” brewery located in Durham, North Carolina, focused on creating Southern-sourced beverages and supporting local agriculture. Since opening, Fullsteam has spent nearly $1 million on locally farmed ingredients and is committed to powering a Southern Beer Economy. Learn more at fullsteam.ag.
About RTP Uncorked
RTP Uncorked offers a unique destination for wine lovers, with a carefully curated selection of over 200 wines from around the globe. Situated at Boxyard RTP, RTP Uncorked provides private wine tasting events, consultations for special events, and a relaxing atmosphere for guests to learn about and enjoy wine. Sip, savor, and smile at RTP Uncorked.
This release provides a comprehensive overview of the Rescue Brew 2025 event, which aims to raise funds and support for animal welfare organizations, celebrating the bond between pets and their owners, and giving animals a chance at a brighter future.