Eleven-year-old fashion designer Bella Arnone, who is currently a student at Our Lady of Victory School in Mt. Vernon, debuted “Bella’s Bows” during Westchester Fashion Week at the McLean Avenue Fall Festival in Yonkers.
Bella sold her bows to raise money for the Grateful Doggies Rescue Retreat, which aims to improve the lives of foster dogs through owner education and adoption. Representatives from Grateful Doggies Rescue were on-site with dogs that need a home.
Bella has volunteered at the Mt. Vernon Animal Shelter for several years, and used her fashion skills to help one dog at the shelter named Rocky. This particular dog needs surgery for two limbs, and Bella has been selling bows to raise funds to pay for Rocky’s medical care.
“I have always loved animals, and have helped in animal shelters whenever I can,” she said. “I create my bows to help animals. It’s not about making money, but making sure they are treated with love. I made all the bows and had my models showcase them, and Rocky came, also.”
The bows sell from between $2 to $20, and Bella raised $153 at the McLean Avenue Fall Festival.
Bella’s love for animals, and her volunteerism, began at a young age. She began volunteering at the Mt. Vernon Animal Shelter at age 5 and has also volunteered at homeless shelters. Her compassion and willingness to help others should be an example for us all.
Her mother has helped her organize her events, but the passion to help and serve animals comes from Bella herself.
If you want to help Bella, visit her Facebook page and buy one or more of her bows for Rocky. Visit www.facebook.com/donate/770554936732539/10157099156513860. The funds will go directly to Friends of Mt. Vernon Shelter Animals for Rocky.
Bella also has an Etsy store, “Ciao Bella Bows NY.”
For more information on adopting a pet from the Mt. Vernon Animal Shelter, visit mtvernonanimals.org.
The Grateful Doggies Rescue Retreat is located in Middletown, where dogs are housed, rehabilitated, and loved as they await a foster home. Visit gdrrny.org or gratefuldoggies.org.
