A raccoon named Jimothy has become an unlikely internet sensation in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood, and his newfound fame is now helping give back to the local community. What began as a quirky neighborhood curiosity has grown into a feel-good story that residents say has drawn attention well beyond the city.
According to residents, Jimothy likely has a spinal condition that gives him a short, round body, but otherwise he is described as very healthy. His unusual appearance has only added to his appeal as he scampers around the streets of Ballard, where locals have grown fond of spotting him.
After videos of Jimothy started going viral, neighbors in Ballard began searching through their own backyard security cameras to catch other glimpses of him. Residents say the raccoon has genuinely blown up, with some noting that friends in other states have texted them asking about the animal.
Locals have embraced Jimothy as a lovable oddball. One resident described him as a little bit weird and a little bit funky, adding that he is a lot like Ballard itself. Another said Jimothy had come along at a time when everyone just needed something to rally around.
The raccoon's popularity soon translated into something tangible for the community. Local artist Ryan Henry Ward, known simply as Henry, created a viral painting of Jimothy and put it up for auction to turn the online buzz into real support.
With the proceeds from the sale, Ward made a donation of roughly 6,500 dollars to the Ballard Food Bank, all in the name of Jimothy. What started as a viral moment for an unusual little raccoon ended up helping the food bank support people across the neighborhood.