ALBION, Ind. — Black Pine Animal Sanctuary’s unique “Cricket Karma” fundraiser is making a return this Valentine’s Day, offering a quirky way for community members to express their feelings for the people who, well, annoy them most. Instead of the typical flowers or chocolates, why not send a cricket’s name to be fed to one of the sanctuary’s animals? And yes, you can even watch it happen live.
A Fundraiser with a Twist
Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, known for providing a lifetime home to displaced, captive-raised exotic animals, is hosting this unusual fundraiser, and it’s catching the attention of locals and animal lovers alike. The sanctuary has earned accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, and its mission is clear: to offer refuge to animals in need and to educate the public on responsible animal care and conservation.
This year’s event, which is back by popular demand, lets participants name a cricket to be fed to one of the sanctuary’s animals — all for a donation. The twist? You can name that cricket after anyone who might irritate you, whether it’s a colleague, ex, or even a sibling. As an added bonus, you’ll get the chance to watch the cricket become part of the animals’ meal on the sanctuary’s live feed.
How the “Cricket Karma” Fundraiser Works
The mechanics of the event are simple. All it takes to participate is a donation to Black Pine Animal Sanctuary. The more you donate, the more crickets you can name. Donations come in various tiers:
- $5 = 1 cricket
- $10 = 3 crickets
- $20 = 5 crickets
- $50 = 20 crickets, along with the title of “Cricket Karma King or Queen” and a chance to win a Family Pass for the 2025 season.
The sanctuary’s team will then feed the crickets to the animals, and viewers can tune in to watch the event unfold live.
A Growing Success
The 2024 edition of the Cricket Karma fundraiser raised over $3,000 for the sanctuary, and the organizers are optimistic that this year will bring even greater success. With a goal of raising at least $5,000, Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is hoping to exceed expectations and bring in more funds to support its mission of animal care and education.
“This fundraiser allows us to raise funds for the sanctuary in a fun and unique way, while also involving the community,” said a spokesperson for the sanctuary. “It’s a lighthearted event, but it’s for a very serious cause — the animals we care for deserve a better life, and the support we receive helps make that happen.”
The proceeds will go directly toward maintaining the sanctuary’s operations, including food, care, and habitat maintenance for its exotic residents. The sanctuary remains a vital resource for animals in need and a place of education for the public, shedding light on the often-overlooked issue of captive exotic animal care.
Black Pine Animal Sanctuary’s Impact
For those unfamiliar with the sanctuary, Black Pine provides a home to a variety of exotic species who are often rescued from unfortunate circumstances. The sanctuary’s residents include animals like tigers, lions, bears, and other exotic creatures who may have previously been in captivity or were displaced.
In addition to offering a sanctuary for these animals, the organization is committed to educating the public on the challenges of responsible exotic animal care, as well as the importance of conservation efforts aimed at protecting wildlife around the world. The sanctuary plays a key role in advocating for better practices when it comes to the treatment of wild and exotic animals.
Mark Your Calendar
For those interested in participating in the event, the fundraiser will take place on Valentine’s Day. If you’ve ever wanted to express your frustrations with a bit of humor — or just enjoy the satisfaction of naming a cricket for a cause — this is the perfect opportunity. The sanctuary’s goal is to raise not just funds but also awareness, all while offering a fun and light-hearted way for people to engage with the community.
The sanctuary will open its doors to the public on May 2, and those who donate are invited to visit the sanctuary and see firsthand where their contributions are going.