The fourth Otto Challenge has been a huge success, easily surpassing Otto’s goal.

Thank You Otto and Otto Supporters!

The Camden Pantry volunteers wish to express their gratitude for the generosity of Otto and like-minded supporters. These contributions will provide welcome help to families and individuals in mid-coast Maine.

Local cat Owen said what many were thinking:

"Thank you Otto! Owen, the cat, gives you this donation from his heart to the hearts of those in need."

We also got a clue to Otto’s whereabouts! A cool cat who spends at least some time in the area gave us this lead to follow":

“Otto can frequently be seen in the fog along the Megunticook River. He weighs 35 pounds if he weighs an ounce. A majestic beast."

Otto. A Majestic Beast indeed. Thank you Otto.

This Challenge has Ended

For the FOURTH time in three years, the mysterious Otto the Cat came forward with a challenge to benefit Camden Area Christian Food Pantry (CACFP).

This very generous, anonymous, and (by his own admission) “aloof” cat will donate $2.00 for every $1.00 given by human donors (up to a combined total of $10,000) between now and December 16, 2022. The Otto Challenge funds will be used to purchase Hannaford Gift Cards which in turn will be given to those in need.

In Otto’s own words,

“the services and food that CACFP provides this community
are more important than ever.”

CACFP Board Member Faith Vautour said,

“The holidays can be especially hard for those we serve as they struggle to feed their families. While we don’t know the identity of Otto, we’re so grateful once again for his kind-hearted and generous assistance.”

The initial Otto Challenge provided Hannaford Gift Cards to 45 families in the fall of 2020 while the second challenge benefited 76 families in January and February of 2021.

Last December, Otto’s Challenge not only resulted in the purchase of $8,000 of Hannaford Gift Cards for distribution to CACFP clients, but led to other wonderful initiatives.

An anonymous donor who liked the idea of the Hannaford Gift Card campaign contacted the Camden Area Christian Food Pantry and donated $5,000 to be used on gift cards when Otto’s donation ran out while a group at Camden Hills Regional High School gave food baskets to families in need and appropriated $3,000 to the purchase of Hannaford Gift Cards to be included in the baskets.

To participate in the challenge, please note the Important Info at the bottom of this page, then click here to donate online or send a check to the Camden Area Christian Food Pantry, PO Box 337, Camden 04843. In either case, please be sure to designate the donation for “Otto’s Challenge”.

O

Who Is Otto?

Who is Otto?

Beyond a giving nature, very little is known about the secretive Otto. Make a donation and provide any clues you have about him and his associates.

Maine Coon Cat Familiar with Otto

Maine Society of Coon Cats President and self-described “Most Interesting Cat in the World”, Amos, said “I don’t always go to the meetings, but when I do it’s with Otto. He’s cool.”

When asked, local cats and Pantry supporters Chloe and Jasper claimed not to know Otto. Asked if they had heard about Otto’s latest challenge, they said they were well aware, and

“that is so purrfect for the holiday season. He is a cool cat.”

Clearly they know more than they admit. Are those even their real names?

Analysis Inconclusive

A review of Pantry security footage provided only one brief, grainy visual of Otto. An artist’s rendition of the clever Cat is shown above. Paw-print analysis of his signature (below) has, likewise, revealed little.

Photo Included in Otto Communication

In a recent letter to the CACFP, Otto included the photo shown above. Is that an Otto selfie? He says “no”. If he is telling the truth, then maybe it is a friend of Otto. Let us know if you have seen this cat.

Have any clues? Use the form below to aid our investigation.