What’s that panther prowling City Hall? The charitable origin of the new statue
A big cat will soon prowl the perimeters of Pembroke Pines’ City Hall for an even bigger cause.
Nonprofit Panthers on the Prowl is bringing its cancer awareness efforts to the Broward city’s headquarters, making room for one of its hallmark, life-sized panther sculptures on City Hall campus, the city announced in a newsletter Nov. 25.
The fundraiser, launched in March, was started by the American Cancer Society to support cancer research, patient services and advocacy programs and earns its namesake from co-chairs Julie Zito and Bill Zito, the Florida Panthers’ president of hockey operations and general manager.
To participate, small businesses, organizations and individuals can choose to sponsor a blank panther statue for $5,000, personalize it with local art and display the cat in their location of choice. Past collaborations include a multicolored sculpture painted and auctioned off by Brazilian artist Romero Britto and a butterfly-themed statue by popstar Kelsea Ballerini.
“We wanted to do something different,” said Julie Zito, a breast cancer survivor herself, at a March 24 conference at Baptist Health IcePlex celebrating the program’s start. “People want to be more involved in something unique, that other people can see.”
The idea to have life-sized panthers — which Julie Zito describes as “a symbol of strength and perseverance” — pop up throughout South Florida is inspired by Chicago’s “Cows on Parade,” an international public art exhibit known to take over metorpolises and later donate proceeds fundraised via auctions to local charities.
Pembroke Pines’ cat will find its home somewhere between Commission Chambers and City Center, according to the city newsletter, with an installation date and community-wide naming ceremony to be announced soon.
Miami-based artist Disem, a cancer survivor as well, will personalize the statue with his signature style merging graffiti, Art Deco and photorealism. He described the opportunity as “a profound honor.”
For updates on Pembroke Pines’ Panther on the Prowl project, city officials say residents should monitor the city’s website or social media.