Sign Up Your Pet, Feed a Family
The Californer/10341222

GROVER BEACH, Calif. - Californer -- Amy Marlan Photography is back with its third annual Pet Portraits with a Purpose fundraiser for the New Life U-Pick Pantry in Pismo Beach, California. In its first two years, more than $6,000 in session fees and dog food donations were raised for the pantry. This year, PETS Hospital in Orcutt, California is matching every donation dollar-for-dollar — doubling the impact for the first time in the fundraiser's history.

For every $175 pet portrait session booked through the Pet Portraits with a Purpose fundraiser, Amy Marlan Photography donates $150 to the grocery-store style pantry.

"This year, PETS Hospital in Orcutt is generously matching every donation — giving three hundred dollars to the pantry for each pet portrait session booked. I love our generous community," said Amy Marlan, Founder of Amy Marlan Photography.

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For Pet Portraits with a Purpose, Marlan meets with each client before the session to learn about their pet's personality and discuss their vision. Each participating pet owner will receive a custom metal pet luggage tag and a sWAG bag from the fundraiser's business sponsors: UPS Store Nipomo, Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic and Holistic Family Healthcare, who are also donors to the pantry.

Following the session, clients have the opportunity to select artwork of their pet for their home.

"I employ a variety of techniques to help your pets feel comfortable and safe so that the session is enjoyable for them. I have been called the 'fur whisperer' on more than one occasion," said Marlan. Pet Portraits with a Purpose runs through March 31st. To book a session, visit https://amymarlan.com/PPP

The New Life U-Pick Pantry was founded in 2020 by New Life Community Church and inspired by Gina Nicola, New Life Pastor and Community Outreach Director. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist who serves adults, teens and families through its counseling center. There, she saw many struggling with hunger — and that food insecurity was profoundly affecting their mental health.

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The pantry operates like a grocery store with fresh produce and refrigerated items where users shop on their own utilizing a point-based system. It serves 40,000 people a year.

"We're trying to help people shop with dignity by selecting what they need instead of receiving a pre-packed bag of groceries. We want to help them feel seen and loved through the difficulty of not having enough food," said Gina Nicola, M.A., LMFT.

The New Life U-Pick Pantry is located at the New Life Community Center on Crest Way in Pismo Beach. For pantry hours, donation needs, and volunteer opportunities, visit https://newlifepismo.com/pantry.