Hope for the Pack
An Art and Fundraising Campaign for Mission: Wolf
Women Rising Wild, in Collaboration with Snow Lion Studios, Launches 45-Day Fundraiser Featuring an Original Signed Artist-in-Residence Watercolor to Support Mission: Wolf’s Wildfire Response
As the Aspen Acres Fire continues to threaten the mountains of southcentral Colorado, Women Rising Wild is inviting the public to stand with the wolves through Hope for the Pack: An Art and Fundraising Campaign for Mission: Wolf, a 45-day fundraising campaign benefiting wildfire response and emergency preparedness efforts at the sanctuary.
The campaign features a one-of-a-kind original signed watercolor with a certificate of authenticity created by artist Debbie Marcinkowski of Snow Lion Studios, who served as Artist-in-Residence with Women Rising Wild last summer at Mission: Wolf, a sanctuary for rescued wolves built on compassion, conservation, and a deep commitment to honoring the wild spirit of the species.
During her residency, Debbie listened to the land, witnessed the wolves, and created a breathtaking watercolor portrait of Arrow, one of Mission: Wolf’s most beloved ambassador wolves.
Describing her Artist-in-Residence experience, Debbie heartfully explicated:
“I had a cherished opportunity to spend time at Mission: Wolf last summer and came to the experience with old ideas, an uncertain impression of these wild creatures, and deep curiosity. Our group of women was fortunate to spend time with founders Tracy and Kent, the horses, and the wolves, and my perception shifted to one of wonder and respect – for both the animals and for the guiding principles that lead the sanctuary’s mission. My intrigue with Arrow, a wolf I never met, led to my watercolor painting based on one of Mission: Wolf’s striking photos. To me, the intensity – and something far beyond that – in his eyes reached deeply into my new relation to the wolves and to myself. I hope that the contribution of this painting will compel support for the remarkable work of the sanctuary, particularly during this time of extensive needs around emergency and evacuation preparations due to current wildfires threatening the land and its inhabitants.”
Arrow, a magnificent black-phase gray wolf, arrived to Mission: Wolf as a young pup in 2009 when he and seven other wolves needed a permanent sanctuary. For fifteen years, his confident presence, independent spirit, and unmistakably wild nature helped educate thousands of visitors about wolves, challenging misconceptions and inspiring a deeper appreciation for these remarkable animals.
Arrow passed away in November 2024, but his legacy continues through the countless people whose lives he touched and inspires to this day.
Now complete, Debbie’s watercolor, titled “Exhale: Letting go of centuries. It portrays Arrow standing boldly in a peaceful winter landscape. The piece is 13.5 x 10.5 inches unframed and 22 x 18 inches framed.
The painting has taken on an especially meaningful role as Mission: Wolf faces one of the most significant challenges in its history.
While supporters have been praying for rain to help protect the sanctuary from wildfire, Debbie’s painting offers a powerful vision of hope—a landscape transformed by cool skies, moisture, and renewal. The snow and the wolf depicted in the painting serve as a reminder that nature can bring unexpected moments of grace even during difficult seasons.
The Aspen Acres Fire has grown to more than 100,000 acres, prompting Mission: Wolf to undertake extraordinary wildfire preparations. More than one hundred fire-mitigation goats are helping establish defensible space around the sanctuary and neighboring properties. Staff, former volunteers, emergency responders, and local law enforcement are working tirelessly to prepare for every possibility, including identifying a long-term evacuation location, constructing secure mobile wolf enclosures, upgrading emergency equipment, and coordinating daily with wildfire officials.
Every decision is guided by one priority: the safety and well-being of the staff, volunteers, and wolves.
Women Rising Wild created Hope for the Pack to provide immediate financial support for these critical emergency needs while honoring Arrow’s legacy and the ongoing work of Mission: Wolf.
How to Participate
From August 1 through September 14, 2026, supporters of the sanctuary are invited to join Hope for the Pack: An Art and Fundraising Campaign for Mission: Wolf by making a direct contribution to Mission: Wolf to grow financial resources for wildfire response, emergency preparedness efforts, and general use.
Become a Guardian of the Pack — $60+ Sustaining Member Donation
Every supporter matters.
Donors who become “sustaining members” and contribute $5 or more per month to Mission: Wolf will receive, as a heartfelt thank-you, a limited-edition digital keepsake of an ambassador wolf, photographed by Jennifer MacNiven during her Artist-in-Residence experience with Women Rising Wild.
These supporters become part of a community committed to protecting wolves, preserving wild spaces, and ensuring Mission: Wolf has the resources needed during this critical time.
Make a Legacy Gift — $500+ Donation
Supporters contributing $500 or more will be recognized as Legacy Guardians of the Pack and will be eligible for consideration as the campaign’s highest-impact donor.
At the conclusion of the 45-day campaign, Debbie’s original signed Artist-in-Residence watercolor of Arrow will be presented with a certificate of authenticity as a gift of appreciation to the highest verified donor whose generosity provided the greatest level of direct support to Mission: Wolf.
This campaign is not a raffle or drawing. The original artwork is not awarded by chance. Instead, it is a meaningful expression of gratitude recognizing charitable contributions with the greatest impact for Mission: Wolf and the wolves in its care.
Donation Instructions
To participate:
- Make your donation directly to Mission: Wolf through their official website or via our forthcoming Facebook Fundraiser page.
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Email your donation confirmation to:
info at women rising wild dot org - For your privacy and security, please remove or redact any private financial information from your receipt or confirmation. Your name, donation amount, and donation date must remain visible for verification.
- Donations must be received and verified before the campaign closing date to qualify for recognition levels and consideration as the highest-impact donor.
Every donation—large or small—helps provide critical resources for:
- wildfire preparedness,
- emergency veterinary care,
- evacuation readiness,
- transportation,
- safety equipment,
- habitat protection,
- and the continued care of the wolves at Mission: Wolf.
Together, we can honor Arrow’s legacy and help protect the pack.
A Message from Women Rising Wild
“This campaign is about much more than a painting,” said Melissa Lynn Reed, founder of Women Rising Wild. “It is about honoring Arrow’s legacy, supporting the incredible people who have dedicated their lives to protecting wolves, and reminding our community that hope can inspire meaningful action. Through art, connection, and generosity, we can stand together for the wild. We can stand for Mission: Wolf.”
Throughout the 45-day campaign, Women Rising Wild will share stories about Arrow, Debbie’s artistic journey, updates from Mission, and opportunities for the public to learn more about wolf conservation and the sanctuary’s ongoing wildfire response.
Together, we can help ensure Mission has the resources needed to protect its wolves today while preserving this extraordinary sanctuary for generations of wolves and people to come.
Artist’s Reflections
Campaign Information
Campaign Name:
Hope for the Pack: An Art Campaign for Mission
Campaign Dates:
August 1 – September 14, 2026
Beneficiary:
Mission: Wolf
Featured Artwork:
Original signed watercolor of Arrow by Debbie Marcinkowski, Snow Lion Studios, Women Rising Wild Artist-in-Residence
Guardian of the Pack Recognition:
Sustaining donors who give $60+/year receive a limited-edition digital keepsake photograph of a Mission: Wolf ambassador.
Legacy Guardian Recognition:
$500+ donors become eligible as the highest-impact donor. The original signed watercolor will be gifted to the highest verified donor as an expression of appreciation for their extraordinary support.
Donate:
Donate directly through Mission Wolf’s official website or via our Facebook Fundraiser (stay tuned for this page link).
Verification Email:
info at women rising wild dot org
For campaign updates, follow Women Rising Wild on Facebook and visit:
For more information about this campaign, contact Melissa at Women Rising Wild. Visit missionwolf.org to learn more about the sanctuary and to donate today.