He’s been called a legend, a cryptid, and an internet meme, but whatever you call him, Jimothy the Seattle raccoon has undoubtedly skyrocketed to fame in the short span of a week.
Due to the shape of his distinct, rounded body, researchers believe that Jimothy has a rare congenital spine condition. Fortunately, he appears to be happy and mobile, roaming backyards and scurrying around trash cans like any other raccoon.
Seattle residents have recorded clips of him through the years, including “baby footage” from Ballard local Ben Trammell, and the internet can’t get enough.
Locally, his fame has inspired murals, tattoo flash sheets, and even a city proclamation.
He also inspired Seattle artist Ryan Henry Ward.
Footage of Jimothy as a baby. Screenshot: @bwtrammell/Instagram
On July 18, Ward shared a photo of an original painting he made of the online icon, adding his own distinct touch of surrealism and forced perspective.
“Jimothy. The hero we needed,” Ward wrote in the photo’s caption. “I’ve decided to give 100% of the money made from this painting to Ballard Food Bank, a place that helped me through some of my hardest times.”
Since the 1970s, Ballard Food Bank has been fighting food insecurity in northwest Seattle. With their unique “grocery store” model, locals in need can browse shelves and shop for everything from canned goods to fresh produce, hygiene items, and even pet food.
In the same post, Ward invited locals to make an offer in his direct messages.
“The highest bid by midnight will get the painting, and the Ballard Food Bank will get a hook-up they deserve,” he said.
Amidst a swell of local support in the comments, the brand account for Amazon also pledged to lend a hand.
“What a fun way to celebrate a Seattle favorite while supporting a great cause,” the account commented on July 18. “We’re excited to match the winning auction donation to the Ballard Food Bank, and we’d love to see other Puget Sound companies join in too. Good luck to everyone bidding — and thanks, Henry, for using your art to give back!”
Within 24 hours, Ward announced the winner of the “Jimothy” painting.
Ryan Henry Ward’s painting “Jimothy.” Screenshot: henry_beyond_museums/Instagram
“So many messages and so many huge hearts on the bid for the Jimothy painting,” he wrote on social media. “If you could glance at my DMs tonight, you’d see what a powerful altruistic community we have.
“The highest bid was $6,543.21 by Angela Galdabini,” he said. “The Ballard Food Bank will be receiving 100% of this. Thank you, Jimothy, for inspiring us all to greatness.”
On July 20, Ward showed a receipt of the donation going through.
“Thanks to an awesome auction winner and to the power of community and in gratitude to Jimothy, Ballard Food Bank has received their donation and the world is a little better.”
Niche Ballard, a local art gallery, also shared the story on their social media page and praised Ward for his unique fundraising method.
“Doing what you can to help others is amazing!” The art gallery commented beneath Ward’s announcement. “It doesn’t need to be perfectly run or a long-term commitment. You, Henry, stepped up in your way and helped neighbors in need. Bravo!”
For people looking for additional ways to support Ballard Food Bank, the art gallery announced that they were hosting a fundraiser from August 8 through August 30 with the Seattle Spoon Club, a woodcarving club that meets on the third Friday of every month at the Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle’s Central District.
“The kickoff event is the Ballard Art Walk.” The art gallery shared. “Join us! We probably won’t raise as much as Ryan Henry Ward, but every bit helps.”
You may also like: This man went viral online after he calmly let a bee sting him and ‘unwind’ its stinger: ‘I had no idea they could survive this’
Featured Image: Screenshot: @bwtrammell/Instagram
