On Nov. 13, students with blue paw-printed mugs will gather at AJ’s Ultra Lounge in support of animals.

The Mugs 4 Pugs event is offering mugs that say “Keep your paws off my mug” and special pricing and drink specials. All the profits from the mugs will go to the Story County Animal Shelter.

The fundraiser was created by seven students who decided to collaborate with AJ’s Ultra Lounge for their class project in Small Group Communications.

They wanted to help an animal shelter because everyone in the student group loves animals, said Selena Woodson, senior in communication studies.

The owner of AJ’s Ultra Lounge, Ben Singh, agreed to help and give back to the community. Singh purchased the 500 mugs for $1,000 to sponsor the fundraiser.

The group has sold around 300 mugs so far, said Paige Whiting, senior in communication studies. 

“AJs Ultra Lounge has never done something like this,” said Laith Kanaan, junior in construction engineering and AJ’s organizer for the event. “A lot of the employees are fans of the animal shelter.”

Whiting and Kanaann both expect the mugs to be gone before Thursday.

Woodson said students on campus are happy to buy one once they find out it’s for animals.

The group said they are grateful for the sales made thus far.

“We want to say thank you to the people who have bought a mug and supported our project, AJ’s Ultra Lounge and the animal shelter,” Whiting said.

The event will begin at 9 p.m. and go until close on Nov. 13. Special drink offers include $1 off wells and $5 cranberry long islands, or pug islands.

Once the Mugs 4 Pugs fundraiser is complete, the group will volunteer at the Story County Animal Shelter after presenting them with a check.

“We hope to see everyone there,” Woodson said.

Mugs can be purchased at AJ’s on Welch Ave. from 7-9 p.m. during the event, or from 11-2 p.m. on Wednesday  and 12:30-3 p.m. on Thursday outside Curtiss Hall.