@PimpTheCat in his 80's gear (http://twitter.com/pimpthecat)
If you've been following the Twitter trends in the past couple months, you've likely seen a #pawpawty hashtag break into the top trends list a few times. So what exactly is a #pawpawty, and how did it get so popular anyway?
The history of the Twitter #pawpawty
About once a month, a virtual party is organized to raise money for animal rescue organizations. Those participating in the event use the #pawpawty hashtag in their tweets to "join the party." These parties run for 24-hour periods so that Twitterers all over the world can attend at a time that is convenient for them.
So far, these fundraising virtual parties have raised more than $5,000 for organizations such as The Humane Society, Kitten Rescue of Los Angeles and Orphans of the Storm in Illinois. The last pawpawty was held May 2-3 to benefit the Margaret Green Animal Rescue.
For each pawparty, a theme is chosen and "party-goers" are encouraged to change their Twitter default pictures to something theme-related (see the slideshow below for some cute examples). Prizes are given away for various contests such as trivia and scavenger hunts – all the while people are encouraged to donate even just $1 to the featured charity.
Who can attend the #pawpawty?
The pawpawties are open to anyone with an interest in raising money and getting the word out to friends about the fundraising efforts. Many of the party-goers are anipals, or people who tweet as their pets. There are thousands of Twitter Critters online, ranging from dogs and cats to hamsters, gerbils and even a moose!
It is not necessary to be an "animal" to attend these virtual fundraisers, however. Everyone is welcome – the more attendees, the more opportunity to raise as much money as possible for animal charities.
So when's the next party?
The theme of the next pawpawty is 80's -- and you'll see default avatars popping up all over Twitter with 80's outfits, hair and accessories. Follow the #pawpawty hashtag with search in Twitter to help raise money for Angels for Animals, this event's featured charity.
Follow RealPawpawty on Twitter for the latest updates and schedules. Anyone who wants to join in or simply check it out can do so by either searching for "#pawpawty" at http://search.twitter.com or using a site such as www.tweetgrid.com to filter out only those tweets with the #pawpawty hashtag. (Click here to try this now.)
For more info: For more information about the latest pawpawty, please click here. To learn more about the Angels for Animals, or to donate, please click here. Follow RealPawpawty on Twitter for the latest updates and future fundraising pawpawty efforts.
Comments
We love the pawpawties! The pawpawty in April raised lots of money for Kitten Rescue and one of the participants donated treats for our sanctuary kitties!
We was at the pawpawty this weekend! It was lots of fun!!
I try to always attend the pawpawties! We have lots of fun and meet new anipal friends and I get a chance to see my new girlfriend, Stripey!
We missed da pawpawtie -- hope ta cat-ch da nex one!
Katie Too
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!