Charity panther statue in Pembroke Pines needs a new name. Send in your ideas
Have you ever wished to name a city building, street or park? Pembroke Pines is inviting one lucky resident to christen its newest landmark.
Through Monday, Jan. 12, locals can send in name ideas for the charitable, life-sized panther sculpture prowling the City Hall campus, the city announced.
Officials will select their top three names from the pot of anonymous submissions before putting it up for a community vote.
“These stunning panther statues symbolize strength, resilience, and the united effort to defeat cancer,” reads the city’s website page for the campaign.
Pembroke Pines announced its collaboration with Panthers on the Prowl — a nonprofit by the American Cancer Soceity that supports cancer research, patient services and advocacy programs — in November, along with news of the feline statue.
The big cat — designed by Miami-based artist and cancer survivor Disem — has since been propped up between the City of Pembroke Pines Commission Chambers and City Center, where it stands donning dusk-like colors and images of Florida wildlife.
“Inspired by (Disem’s) journey, the artwork reflects resilience, hope, and renewal. The colors of a South Florida sunrise and sunset represent the beauty that can emerge after darkness — a symbol of perseverance and faith,” city officials said.
“The plants painted throughout the panther, including periwinkles, echinaceas, wild indigo, and turmeric flowers, are all native to Florida and known for their healing properties.”
Panthers on the Prowl launched in March and earns its namesake from co-chairs Julie Zito and Bill Zito, the Florida Panthers’ president of hockey operations and general manager.
The initative — which has seen big cats pop up at South Florida hospitals, universities and businesses — is inspired by Chicago’s “Cows on Parade,” an international public art exhibit known to take over metorpolises and donate proceeds fundraised via auctions to local charities.
“Each one of these has a story,” Zito told the Miami Herald during a Jan. 2 Prowl fundraiser at loanDepot Park. “When you look at them, some are fun, some are silly. Some of them are creative beyond anything I could have ever imagined. … It is so important that we take advantage of this opportunity to not only raise as much money as we can, but raise awareness as well. Because together, we truly can fight this insidious disease. I am truly proud of the work that the people have done.”
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 pop star Kelsea Ballerini.
To submit your name ideas, visit the city’s wesbite page for Panthers on the Prowl here.
