During its 22nd annual Paws in the Park, Humane Society Calumet Area will kick-off their participation in the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge with adoptable pets, fun and games, and a proclamation from State Representative Linda Lawson.
On Saturday June 7, HSCA will host its annual Paws in Park from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at a new location, Main Square Park in Highland, Ind. This walk-a-thon and carnival-themed vendor fair also serves as a celebration of the beginning of the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge.
The challenge is a nationwide competition for animal shelters (and their communities) aimed at getting more animals adopted or returned to their owners than ever before. As a contestant in the challenge, HSCA will be competing for a chance at more than $600,000 in grant funding, including a grand prize of $100,000, June 1 through August 31.
Sign-in and registration for the walk-a-thon and the vendor fair begins at 8 a.m. New this year, the vendor fair has a carnival theme with family- and pet-friendly vendors, games, treats and more.
At 9 a.m. State Representative Linda Lawson kicks off the activity on the main stage with a proclamation declaring the month of June “Animal Adoption Month” in Indiana.
Shortly after, the walk-a-thon begins at 9:30 a.m. Walkers can participate individually or as a team to raise funds for the animals of HSCA. Leashed pets with a current rabies vaccine are welcome to participate in the walk and attend the event.
Walkers are asked to raise pledges and can earn pledge prizes including a magnet, t-shirt, tote, hoodie and $100 gift certificate at various pledge levels. Walkers and teams can raise funds online at www.firstgiving.com/hscalumet.
Additional activities on the main stage include a training demo by dog behaviorist Kristina Montgomery, the announcement of the HSCA coloring contest winner, the HSCA Lifesaver Jr program and a dog talent show with awards for the fastest and neatest popsicle eater, best tail wagger, best tricks, owner/pet look-a-like, and best costume.
Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are still available. Proceeds from the event help provide medical care and basic necessities for the animals at HSCA.
Download pledge packets, vendor applications and sponsorship information at www.hscalumet.org/paws-in-the-park.asp.
Contact Ashley Boyer at 219.513.8911, ext. 103 or aboyer@hscalumet.org for more information on how to become a walker, vendor or sponsor. To learn more about HSCA, visit www.hscalumet.org.