RALEIGH, N.C. [May 1, 2026] – Fullsteam Brewery, RTP Uncorked, Boxyard RTP and Second Chance Pet Adoptions, 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 opened May 1, 2026, and runs through July 10, 2026. Pet owners can submit photos of their cats and dogs for a chance to see their pet featured on Fullsteam’s Limited-Edition Rescue Brew 2026 beer can labels and in the 2027 Rescue Brew Calendar.
Winning pet photos will be transformed into custom portraits by local artist Echo Lilly Wilson. The top six entries in each category will be featured in the 2027 Rescue Brew calendar. Calendars will be available for sale on October 15, and will raise additional funding for Second Chance Pet Adoptions.
“This is such a fun and creative way for our community to celebrate their pets while making a real impact,” said Second Chance Pet Adoptions executive director and co-owner of RTP Uncorked, Julie Paddison. “Every entry and every vote helps us save lives, whether that means providing medical care, finding loving homes or expanding our spay and neuter efforts to break the cycle of animal homelessness.”
Community members are encouraged to enter early, rally votes and share their pet’s story to maximize their chances of winning. Every dollar raised through the Rescue Brew contest will go directly toward caring for homeless cats and dogs and expanding access to spay/neuter services—an essential step in reducing pet overpopulation and preventing future suffering.
How to Enter:
- Submit your pet’s photo with a brief description of why they’re the perfect face for Rescue Brew 2026.
- $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:
- May 1 – 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 15: 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 2027 Calendar release date.
Photos can be submitted here: https://www.gogophotocontest.com/rescuebrew
How to Enter:
Visit www.gogophotocontest.com/rescuebrew to submit your pet and start collecting votes today. Deadline for entry is June 30.
About Second Chance Pet Adoptions:
Second Chance Pet Adoptions is a nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue dedicated to helping homeless cats and dogs find forever homes while promoting responsible pet ownership. Since 1987, the organization has provided lifesaving care and second chances to thousands of animals in the Triangle area.
About Boxyard RTP
Discover a unique retail, food and entertainment venue at Boxyard RTP, located on the western portion of Hub RTP, Research Triangle Park (RTP) ‘s 100-acre vibrant 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. Voted a three-time Durham Magazine Best of Durham winner for Large Venue for Live Music, Boxyard RTP enhances the cultural landscape of RTP through a robust event program that includes live music, comedy nights and more, accessible to people both within and beyond RTP. Owned and managed by Research Triangle Foundation, 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.
Media Contact
Julie Paddison
Executive Director
Second Chance Pet Adoptions
6003 Chapel Hill Road, Suite 133
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919)851-8404
juliepaddison@secondchancenc.org