LYNNWOOD — Jimothy, the unusually round raccoon who captured the internet’s affection this summer and has since emerged as an unofficial mascot of Seattle, is now helping support wildlife and companion animal rescue through sales of his first officially licensed bobblehead.
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum announced it will donate $1,000 to PAWS, the Lynnwood-based nonprofit dedicated to animal welfare, in conjunction with sales of the limited-edition Jimothy bobblehead. The organization also pledged to donate an additional $1,000 for every 1,000 Jimothy bobbleheads sold moving forward.
The fundraising effort comes as the bobblehead has become one of the museum’s top-selling releases of 2026, reflecting the enduring popularity of the Ballard raccoon whose unlikely rise to fame has transformed him into a regional pop culture phenomenon.
Since being unveiled earlier this year, the bobblehead has attracted buyers across the United States and Canada. Orders have already been placed from 46 states, Washington, D.C., and three Canadian provinces. Alaska, Arkansas, Montana and South Dakota are the only U.S. states that have yet to receive an order.
“Jimothy has become much more than a viral internet celebrity,” said Phil Sklar, co-founder and CEO of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum. “His story has resonated with people around the country, and we’re thrilled that his popularity can now help support an organization doing incredible work for animals every day.”
PAWS, headquartered in Lynnwood, has reunited more than 170,000 cats and dogs with loving families and cared for more than 160,000 sick, injured and orphaned wild animals since its founding in 1976. The nonprofit also conducts outreach, education and advocacy programs focused on promoting compassion and responsible stewardship of animals.
Jimothy first gained widespread attention after a video of him scurrying through a Seattle street amassed more than 10 million views across social media. The raccoon’s distinctive appearance — caused by a rare spinal deformity commonly referred to as short spine syndrome — quickly made him recognizable to viewers around the world.
Despite his compressed body shape and seemingly absent neck, wildlife observers have noted that Jimothy appears healthy, mobile and free of pain.
Originally spotted wandering Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, the raccoon was named by resident Kiana Hall, who said he simply “looked like a Jimothy.” The name stuck, and so did the public’s fascination.
What began as a viral video soon evolved into a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. Jimothy inspired fan art, murals, clothing, internet memes and the slogan “Hot Jimothy Summer.” Fans affectionately dubbed him “Saint Jimothy” and “King Jimothy,” while tattoo artists offered Jimothy-themed specials. The University of Washington awarded the raccoon an honorary degree in jest, and Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck issued a proclamation celebrating “Jimothy Summer.”
Wizards of the Coast even created official an official stat block for Jimothy to be used in their Dungeons and Dragons tabletop roleplaying game.
Jimothy has been described as a “scrappy hometown hero,” a title many residents embraced as the raccoon became an unofficial symbol of the city’s quirky character and resilience.
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s limited-edition figure recreates Jimothy in mid-stride atop a grass-textured base bearing his name. Each bobblehead is individually numbered and available exclusively through the museum’s online store.
While the bobblehead celebrates one of Seattle’s most unexpected celebrities, museum officials say the broader goal is ensuring Jimothy’s popularity has a lasting impact.
With each milestone in sales generating additional donations to PAWS, the internet-famous raccoon is now helping provide care for injured wildlife, support pet adoptions and fund animal welfare programs across the Pacific Northwest — turning a viral sensation into a cause that benefits animals well beyond Seattle.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
