A new fundraising movement was launched on Monday in South Florida with the ultimate goal of fighting cancer.
The American Cancer Society announced their newest campaign called Panthers on the Prowl, which will be co-chaired by Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Zito and his wife Julie Zito.
According to a press release, Panthers on the Prowl is “a Southeast Florida fundraising campaign with the goal to support cancer research, patient services and advocacy programs. ‘Panthers on the Prowl’ brings together art, community and philanthropy to support cancer research and patient services, while celebrating South Florida’s hockey pride.”
The campaign will invite anyone who wants to be a part of the cause – local businesses or individual donors – to acquire a life-sized panther sculpture by making a charitable donation to the ACS.
The idea is that the sculptures will then be displayed in homes, workplaces, restaurants to “serve as powerful symbols of solidarity with people facing cancer and support the ACS’s mission to ensure that everyone can prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.”
“Julie and I are thrilled to launch this unique initiative to support the American Cancer Society’s critical work,” Zito said in the release. “This campaign invites the South Florida community to Join the Prowl, raising funds and awareness for a cause that’s close to our hearts. Displaying your panther sculpture will show that you’re ‘IN’ and supporting the vision to end cancer for everyone.”
According to the Panthers, the campaign will also include a special Panthers on the Prowl Night at Amerant Bank Arena during the 2025-26 season where all the decorated sculptures will be on display.
How to Get Involved:
1. Donate to Secure your Panther: Visit: cancer.org/panthersontheprowl
2. Create a Masterpiece: Use your panther sculpture for team-building, or collaborate with a local artist or school to bring your vision to life.
3. Showcase Your Panther: Display your creation in a high-profile location to spark conversation and awareness.
4. Share Your Panther on Social Media: Use #panthersontheprowl to share your commitment to the cause. Follow @PanthersOTProwl on X and Instagram and share your story ‘I Joined the Prowl Because’
5. Join Us at Amerant Bank Arena this Fall: Display your panther alongside others, connect with the community, and celebrate the impact of this united effort.
6. Panther Auction: Details for completed Panthers being auctioned will come at a later date.
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