Florida Agenda

WILTON MANORS, FL – WolfCuff custom handmade leather wrist cuffs, arm bands and, body wear will celebrate their second anniversary with a benefit for Grateful Paws, Wednesday, Feb. 15, starting at 8 p.m. at Georgie’s Alibi on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.

Grateful Paws is a local, not-for-profit, no-kill rescue organization providing much-needed services for cats and dogs in South Florida.

“Grateful Paws is the animal rescue that I prefer most,” said Uwe Schroeder, founder of WolfCuff. “They step in when other rescues – for financial or other reasons – cannot help. When they take on an animal, they take it their vet, the Hollywood Animal Hospital, and if after medical treatment it is determined the animal will have a quality life, they’ll do whatever is necessary and possible to get the animal healthy and find it a forever, loving home. Grateful Paws is my favorite because it’s the last hope for the most hopeless cases.”

“Over Christmas, they took in a nine-month old pedigree husky that was hit by a car and the owner couldn’t afford the medical bills. Grateful Paws took him on and the surgery to save his leg was $1,800,” Schroeder said. “Grateful Paws found the husky a home, but the adoption fee is $300, which left a balance of $1,500.”

An animal lover, Schroeder founded Wolf Cuff two years ago, producing custom leather wrist bands which were well-received by friends and customers. All of his cuffs are handmade using basic tools, and are made of quality materials utilizing hand-applied color, along with a unique interlocking design, metal work and polish. Each WolfCuff is one-of-a-kind.

Schroeder said the he adopted his own “boys” from Grateful Paws. “That’s why I’m trying to get as much money together as possible,” he said. “There is nothing better than rescuing a dog.”

The Feb. 15 fundraiser at Alibi will begin with a “Gold Sponsor Cocktail Reception” being held in the Manchester Room from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets for the special reception will be $20 and will include food, drinks and a preview of the silent auction items.

The public main event will be run from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. with hostess Nikki Adams a 9 p.m. show featuring Florida’s Own Dame Edna, lavish silent auction, 50/50 raffle and special pricing on WolfCuff leather crafts.

Alibi is providing the space, Alibi Catering is providing the food and Schroeder is covering all additional expenses. 100% of the proceeds collected at the benefit will go to Grateful Paws including money raised from all WolfCuff sales. For more information on WolfCuff, visit www.WolfCuff.com.

Uwe Schroeder, Designer and creator of WOLFCUFF

By ALEX VAUGHN

Please tell us about WOLFCUFF. How did you come up with the idea and the name?

WOLFCUFF was born out of pure chance I went to a local leather store and bought a few basic items to make my first cuff (we call her “mom”) when I wore it for the first time people started asking me where I got it and if I could make one for them as well. As for the name, I am passionate about dogs and wolves. I didn’t want to say wristband so, WOLFCUFF was born.

WOLFCUFF is a unique line of crafted leather wristbands. Each cuff is made out of two pieces of leather, uniquely interlocked together to form the cuff. I have four main lines; “Tradition” is the original, they are all solid leather.

“Custom Cuffs” include metal medallions, rhine-stones or ancient roman coins that I import from Europe. “Chameleon” is my convertible line of either chic watches or unique cuffs. You can remove the watch piece and replace it with the included leather band. My newest line is “WOLFCUFF-Anklets “

Where do you get your inspiration for your work?

It goes as far back as my childhood. As a boy I was fascinated by anything ancient. Also my grandfather was a traditional blade smith in Solingen (the city of blades) so as a child I experienced traditional crafting first hand. I also think the combination of European roots and exposure to so many different cultures here in Florida is constantly inspiring me to come up with new designs and ideas.

What has been the advantage of doing business within the gay community?

Mainly great support from the community namely ALIBI, Jackson, Marc and Vincent who, without hesitation believed in me and gave me a venue at the monthly Artwalk and for special events like the yearly Rodeo, which has undoubtedly helped build my business so rapidly. The gay community is also so open to the “new” especially in terms of fashion and jewellery.

Have you encountered any disadvantages of being in the gay community?

No, not many, I guess the main would be from a retail view point; it seems that a product like underwear is a big seller, yet due to the larger mark ups for the gay retail stores, catering mainly for tourists, mean they shy away from my upper priced exotic cuffs.

What is in the future for your business?

Since I didn’t plan any of this, every step of is a rewarding adventure for me. I have been negotiating with a potential business partner how to make WOLFCUFF accessible beyond Florida.

I am also looking at keeping creativity with my signature cuffs and developing a line of commercial products for mass distribution on shopping networks and national retailers.

What is the ethos of WOLFCUFF?

All accepting togetherness. The feeling of “us” that, for me, makes WOLFCUFF more than just a business, it’s my life, my friends and family woven into each cuff.

Which charities do you support and why?

I believe being a gay man one should be involved in a charity supporting those living with HIV and AIDS and one of my greatest passions is to rescue and save dogs so I volunteer for GRATEFUL PAWS a nonprofit, dog and cat rescue shelter.

What brought you to Florida?

I have family ties in America and in 2000 I had the opportunity to move to the US. I didn’t choose Florida for business reasons, but because it is a top Gay destination and I knew I could do well here.

Where do you see most opportunity for gay business owners in Florida?

Due to the huge population of gay men and women in Florida, there is support given to each other in business, making building a company in the community a pleasure. Florida is also a great place to reach a wider number of people without having to give up your identity, as homosexuality is accepted more in South Florida. And of course it is a huge gay tourist mecca.

Which famous person do you feel most encompasses your brand?

WOLFCUFF comes in so many styles and designs that I could not name a person representing all of them but I can name a person that every WOLFCUFF I make carries within: my mother. Without her unconditional love, her never ending support I would not be the person I am today. Each cuff I make carries a part of her legacy.

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