ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s an unusual political campaign strategy that some people may have seen in northeast Albuquerque. Posters and signs that read “Grit the Dog for President”, with a labrador as the photo.
“We’re just simply saying, if you want to do something, some action, go to gritforpresident.com and vote for him,” said Grit’s Campaign Manager Duane Kinsley.
Grit’s first campaign stop was at Saturday’s event in Northeast Heights, where hundreds showed up in support.
No, it’s not a real political campaign, but with election season around the corner, officials with the campaign said it’s a witty way to grab people’s attention.
Their true intention is to raise funds for a local non-profit, Warehouse 505, which offers after-school programs for children.
“There’s a lot of kids out there that don’t do traditional sports, and so there really isn’t a lot of programs out there for those kids, and so that’s where we come in and provide a service for youth that are not into traditional sports,” said Warehouse 505 Executive Director Thierry Gonzalez.
Residents can “vote” for Grit by donating a dollar to the campaign or by purchasing any of the campaign’s merchandise. They offer sweaters, posters, and other items. All proceeds will go toward supporting the organization.
“What we’re really trying to do is give kids an opportunity to become a master of their craft. Prime example, we have a phenomenal DJ program. We have plenty of kids that come through that program and come out as pro DJs,” Gonzalez explained.
Along with DJ courses, the organization also offers painting programs, and other entertainment courses as well. Officials said in an average year, they have about 5,000 kids go through the program.
“Keeping kids off the streets is important,” Gonzalez added. “It’s not unknown to the city that we got a problem, and so what we’re really trying to do is combat that problem at an early age.”
“Who knows what Grit will do in the future,” Kinsley said.
The campaign will continue up to Election Day, Nov. 5. They plan on hosting another 4 events with a grand opening of the organization’s new Central Ave. facility on October 12.
