Jim Paolucci, owner of the Cowesett Inn restaurant, has made saving shelter dogs his mission. Paolucci founded the Brandi Project four years ago after bonding with a shelter dog, Brandi, at a party thrown by her foster family at the time and adopting her through PAWS New England.

Inspired, Paolucci decided to fundraise for animal shelters by hosting breakfast and dinner events at his restaurant. The first fundraising event at the Inn raised over $3,500.

The Brandi Project is not directly involved in the adoption process but rather provides financial support for dog-rescue organizations. Paolucci originally sold merchandise exclusively online but about a year ago began selling it in his restaurant. Water bottles, clothing, collars, dog biscuits and more can be purchased in Brandi’s Corner Store, located inside the Cowesett Inn.

Paolucci says that he was surprised at the number of people with adoption stories similar to his.

“Lots of folks out there have rescued dogs. When they come into the restaurant, they show us pictures and they want to support us.”

Donations have gone to PAWS New England, the East Greenwich Animal Protection League and the Save One Soul Animal Rescue League, all of which are organizations dedicated to saving dogs from high-kill shelters.

Over the last four years, the Brandi Project has donated $32,433.83 of its $100,000 goal, which Paolucci hopes will be reached within the next few years. Because merchandise and marketing costs must be covered, around half of the money must be used to keep the organization running. He predicts that around 300 people have donated thus far, and he would like to expand the Project nationally in order to raise awareness. Paolucci feels good about the progress that has been made and believes that his organization has increased awareness for dogs in need in the community.

While the Brandi Project is not yet a non-profit organization, Paolucci hopes that, eventually, he will be able to make the Project non-profit. He would like for the Brandi Project to become non-profit once he has donated $100,000 to dog-rescue organizations.

Paolucci is still holding fundraising events, such as Brandi’s Blanket Bonanza. Throughout the month of December, for every blanket bought at Brandi’s Corner Store, one will be donated to a dog-rescue shelter. A dinner fundraiser is scheduled for February 26 at 5 p.m. at the Cowesett Inn. Tickets for this event can be purchased in advance at www.thebrandiproject.com.