BOSTON, Sept. 3, 2014 – The MSPCA-Angell today announced an action-packed agenda for its annual Walk for Animals fundraiser which will take place Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014. This year’s Walk will again draw more than 2,500 participants, most of whom will tackle the course alongside their dogs.
The MSPCA is once again hosting three concurrent Walks—in Boston, Hyannis and Methuen—all beginning at noon. Monies raised from the Walks support animal protection programs for the organization’s three Animal Care and Adoption Centers in Jamaica Plain, Centerville and Methuen. In the past eight years the Walk for Animals has raised over one million dollars to support the MSPCA. The MSPCA hopes to raise over $350,000 this year.
This 2014 Walk for Animals is designed to delight young and old as well as human and animal participants.
Special Guest: Ray Charles the Golden Retriever
Joining the high-profile corporate sponsors supporting the three Walks this year is Ray Charles the Golden Retriever, who despite being blind has inspired countless people to live their best lives. And his wildly popular Facebook page boasts over 100,000 likes. Ray Charles will walk as a special guest at the front of the parade along with his human companions.
The Boston Walk will again feature demonstrations from the working dogs of the Boston Police Department’s special K-9 unit. The demonstrations spotlight the incredible agility and “seek and search” capabilities of these animals.
Also at the Boston Walk, a veterinarian from Angell Animal Medical Center will be on-site throughout the day to answer pet-health related questions. The MSPCA is also reprising other fan-favorite contests such as “Best Pet Trick,” “Best Kisser,” “Human Lookalike,” and more!
Boston Highlights
In addition to appearances from Ray Charles and hundreds of other four-legged friends, and half a dozen food and beverage booths set up on the Common, the Boston Walk will again feature a specially designed agility course, called the “Tough Mutt-er,” designed to challenge dogs (and their owners) who will compete for audience applause as they navigate the course. Any Walk participant can sign up for the Tough Mutt-er when they register for the walk.
Methuen Highlights
The Methuen Walk will pass through previously unavailable areas of the Farm’s stunning vistas to arrive at the “Vendor Village,” which will showcase unique pet products and crafts from local businesses.
Centerville Highlights
The 2014 Hyannis Walk for Animals will focus on community service, with a number of Cape Cod non-profit animal service organizations participating, including the Cape Cod Companion Animal Program; the Cape Cod Disaster Animal Response Team; and the Mashpee Dog Park. The Walk will also feature a family and dog-friendly activity zone including a photo booth, face-painting and crafts. Lastly, the walk will again host dog contests featuring a number of local dogs who will vie for the title of the Cape’s most talented canine. And there will be the annual MSPCA-Centerville Hot Dog Eating Race.
For full details and to register for any of the Walks readers can click here.
Corporate Sponsors Line Up to Support the Walk for Animals
The list of sponsors for this year’s Walk is a veritable “who’s who” of the food, beverage, media and pet merchandise world. Cedar’s, makers of delicious and all natural hummus, chips and spreads will once again feed hungry walkers. Joining Cedar’s is Purity Organic, whose juices are sure to be a hit with walkers on a hot day.
In addition to the above companies, top financial services, pet food, supplies and medicine companies such as, Especially for Pets, Bowchies, Cardinal, Doody Calls and Covidien are again supporting this year’s Walk. Additional sponsors include Food Should Taste Good, Merck,Patterson Vet, TD Bank, Petco, Whole Foods, Yoghund and Zoetis. The full list of sponsors can be found at www.mspca.org/walkforanimals.
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The MSPCA-Angell is a national and international leader in animal protection and veterinary medicine and provides direct hands-on care for thousands of animals each year. Founded in 1868, it is the second-oldest humane society in the United States. Services include animal protection and adoption, advocacy, humane education, law enforcement, and world-class veterinary care. The MSPCA-Angell is a private, non-profit organization. It does not receive any government funding nor is it funded or operated by any national humane organization. The MSPCA-Angell relies solely on the support and contributions of individuals who care about animals. Please visit www.mspca.org.
