ESL introduces a Scramble
of Animals in Rochester for 2003

Wild animals will soon be turned loose on Rochester's streets - fiberglass animals, that is. ESL announced today that it will sponsor Rochester's second large-scale community arts project.

"Animal Scramble," similar to the recent "Horses On Parade" community arts program, features an entire kingdom of animals. The first ever of its kind, Animal Scramble will feature animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, bears, elephants, giraffes, alligators, gorillas, elks, and many more. Local artists will paint the life-sized animals, which will then "stampede" throughout the Greater Rochester area.

"ESL is always seeking innovative ways to give back to our community," said Dave Vigren, CEO, ESL. "Animal Scramble is a different twist to an established program, and we hope to raise a significant amount of money for local charities."

"ESL's Animal Scramble promises to be a tremendous tourist attraction and local family activity," said Lauren Dixon, president, Dixon Schwabl Advertising. "As with previous programs, traffic to local businesses will increase and public interest in the arts will be heightened."

ESL's Animal Scramble will hit the streets in May 2003. Event organizers expect to produce more than 200 animal icons.

In October 2003, after the animals' five month stint as local landmarks, they will be auctioned off. Proceeds will benefit six local charities: The Arc of Monroe County; Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester, Syracuse and Binghamton; National Center for Missing and Exploited Children/N.Y. Branch; Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong; American Lung Association; and a sixth charity to be announced soon. Each will receive an equal portion of 50 percent of the auction price of each animal. The remaining 50 percent will go to a charity of the winning bidder's choice.

Two additional charities - Rochester City Ballet and School of the Holy Childhood - will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Animal Scramble books.

Artists interested in completing the Request for Designs, and businesses interested in learning more about sponsoring an animal can contact the Animal Scramble hotline at 585-383-0380.