Buddies for Paws at Solana Solstice: NYC Fashion Show, Claw Machines, and Fundraising for Animals

In June, Buddies for Paws had the absolute pleasure of participating in Solana Solstice 2025, the non-conference conference. Partnering with our friends at MonkeDAO, we brought two unforgettable fundraisers to New York City: our first-ever NYC fashion show fundraiser and an unforgettable takeover at the NYC Claw Machine Store.

Together we raised almost $30,000 for our charity partners, combining our community’s generosity with BONK’s 100% donation match.

Kicking Things Off: NYC Claw Machine Fundraiser with MonkeDAO

We kicked things off on Thursday night, taking over NYC’s iconic claw machine store. Players joined both in-person and online to win official Labubus and exclusive Web3 merch from multiple partners.

Each claw attempt supported Buddies for Paws, funding animal rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation projects worldwide. With sponsors backing the machines and donating prizes, this was one of our most interactive and successful fundraising events yet.

NYC Fashion Show Fundraiser: Turning the Catwalk into a Dogwalk

On Saturday, the fun moved to Chinatown with our debut NYC fashion show. Members of the Web3 community hit the runway in exclusive BONK and MonkeDAO looks. Guests weren’t just spectators; they could shop their favourite pieces straight off the runway, including limited drops from our friends at Baobao and MonkeDAO. Every purchase supported Buddies for Paws and was matched 1:1 by BONK.

Adding to the fun, a Labubu-themed Tub Toss game gave guests the chance to win official Labubu collectibles, with every play raising funds for our cause.

We were honoured to welcome representatives from Orangutan Outreach, Wildlife Conservation Network, and Save the Chimps, who shared stories from the field and highlighted the real-world impact of our fundraising. It was an amazing reminder of the power of these fundraising events and how our community helps make them possible.

Alan Cumming x Tonka Charity Art Auction

A standout moment of Solana Solstice was the launch of the Alan Cumming x Tonka art auction. Actor and activist Alan Cumming collaborated with Tonka, a chimpanzee rescued from the entertainment industry and now safe at Save the Chimps, to create a one-of-a-kind artwork.

The piece sold on Exchange Art for $1,000, matched by BONK to bring the total to $2,000. Proceeds went directly toward Tonka’s and friend's care at the sanctuary.

“This is a pretty special collab! I’ve created a wonderful piece of art alongside Tonka – the former chimp star of George of the Jungle and Buddy – as part of the Solana Solstice Art Charity Event curated by BONK, J.T. Liss, and Buddies for Paws.”

— Alan Cumming

The Impact: Funds Raised for Global Animal Charities

Thanks to everyone who walked the runway, played the games, joined the auction, and showed up in support. Funds raised are going directly to our charity partners:

• Save the Chimps
• Orangutan Outreach
• Wildlife Conservation Network
• Wildlife SOS
• Dolphin Project
• Scottish SPCA
• Animals Asia
• Sea Turtle Conservancy
• Dogs for Better Lives

Every donation was matched 100% by BONK, doubling the care for animals across the globe.

What’s Next for Buddies for Paws

These fundraising events were unique, exciting, and bursting with energy. From catwalks to claw machines, vital funds were raised all while having fun. And with BONK doubling every donation, their impact went even further.

We’re so grateful to MonkeDAO, Baobao, Exchange Art, the Solana Solstice team, and BONK for helping make this such a fantastic event.

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