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Binky and Bell - Helping Homeless Animals with Cartoon Art!


Binky and Bell Logo Banner

We are so happy to welcome Binky and Bell back as a vendor at this year's Spring Fling! We are also excited to announce that the artist behind Binky & Bell has won our T-shirt design contest and will be featured on this year's Spring Fling Commemorative T-shirt!!

Get your shirt at Spring Fling or pre-order it here: https://givebutter.com/c/UnleashedsSpringFling2026

Thanks to our sponsors, 100% of the sales of the t-shirts will go to the rescue groups/non-profit organizations that will be at Spring Fling coming up on April 26th! Seriously, every penny, er, dollar, that you give us for a shirt, we will turn around and give straight to the non-profit organizations! It is a win-win-win: you get a super cool t-shirt designed by a local artist and the rescues get cash to support their missions!

Speaking of that local artist, Binky and Bell was founded in 2013 when Rick Gardner and Mark Bell met through a career transition networking group. The duo discovered how their passion for their hobbies, Rick for dogs and Mark for woodworking, could be used for good. Together, they collaborate to create original cartoon dog-and cat-themed art to support local animal shelters and rescues. They derived their business name, Binky & Bell from Rick's first dog, "Binky," and Mark's last name, "Bell!"


Binky and Bell's Founder Rick Gardner

Rick Gardner combines his artistic skill and fundraising knowledge to help homeless pets through Binky and Bell. He has completed three coloring books and one joke book and donated the profits to numerous local rescues and shelters. Rick's work has been featured in multiple exhibits, including:


  • The Visual Art Exchange WERD Art exhibit

  • A Place at the Table in downtown Raleigh

  • The Halle Arts Center in Apex

  • The Spotted Dog Café in Carrboro, Coffee and Crepes in Cary

  • Holly Springs Cultural Arts Center

  • The North Carolina Craft Center in Carrboro.


Rick's artwork influences include Roy Lichtenstein, James Thurber, Charles Shultz, and numerous modern-day graphic artists.

" My name is Rick Gardner, my brand is Binky and Bell, a brand dedicated to original, whimsical art inspired by the joyful relationships between pets and people. Through my colorful and playful designs of dogs (and cats too!), I explore themes of love, humor, and happiness."

Mark's influences include his background growing up in the suburbs of Detroit and Boston, as well as his professional experiences in Germany and Switzerland.


They both share a passion to help homeless animals.


"Hundreds of homeless dogs and cats are put down every day at shelters through no fault of their own.
We use the sales of our cartoon dog art to provide financial support to local rescues and shelters to help get these pets healthy and adoptable. Through our art, we try to capture the joy and happiness pets bring to us.

In cooperation with local rescues, shelters and national organizations, our big goal is to eliminate kill shelters and find forever homes for these homeless pets."

Each month they feature a different rescue to support with their sales and this month it is a group that will also be at Spring Fling: Love Mutts Rescue!


They also work with many other organizations that are also a part of Spring Fling, including: Wake County Animal Center, Second Chance Pet Adoptions, The Maggie Society, Freedom Ride Rescue, and more!


Take a look at their website to see the complete list and more!


Also, follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with their new designs!!



Stop by their booth at Spring Fling and browse through cartoon dog and cat art on shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, bags, books, magnets, and signs! And don't forget your Spring Fling t-shirt- online or at the Spring Fling T-shirt Table!


Plus, there's one more announcement! Rick actually submitted 2 designs into the t-shirt contest, and not only did one win, but the other was a runner-up! All of the runner-up designs will be featured in a NEW-THIS-YEAR coloring contest! Find coloring sheets featuring Rick's design and our other runners-up at our Kid Zone (by the bounce houses) and the seating area in front of the main stage. Take them home, add some color, and drop them off at any Unleashed location by 5/5 to enter to win! No limit on entries!


Visit Binky and Bell at

Unleashed's 13th Annual Spring Fling Dog & Cat Fundraiser

Sunday, April 26, 2026

12-6 pm

Koka Booth Amphitheatre


Stay up to date on all things Spring Fling 2026:

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