Glow-in-the-dark 5k Walk/Run Provides Much-needed Funding to Local Animal Shelter
Grand Rapids, MI (PRWEB) September 30, 2013 -- On Saturday, October 12, 2013 the Humane Society of West Michigan (HSWM) will host a brand-new annual 5K walk/run, Bark in the Dark, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at their location on 3077 Wilson Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534. The event stems from Bark in the Park, originally founded in 2012, by Rob Kirkbride, a local reporter, to show his gratitude for the support HSWM had provided him over the years with his pets.
“I wanted to find a way to give back to the Humane Society of West Michigan, while also encouraging pet adoption, educating pet owners with health and safety information, networking with other pet lovers and raising money for the shelter,” said Rob Kirkbride, a senior reporter and associate editor at Monday Morning Quarterback and founder of Bark in the Park. “I am grateful that the Humane Society of West Michigan will breathe new life into the event and will continue the legacy of encouraging our community to act as a voice for the animals who have been abandoned, left homeless, and are in need of our support - this event plays a key factor in funding the basic necessities they need to survive.”
The cost to walk/run is $30, each participant that raises $150 or more in donations will receive the official Bark in the Dark t-shirt. Registrants will be given the opportunity to raise additional funds by creating a fundraising page, and reaching out to family and friends to join their team. The $150 provides a week of care for one animal at HSWM.
“This is a great event that generates awareness of what it takes to care for all of our animals on a daily basis,” said Tammy Hagedorn, Humane Society of West Michigan’s Director of Development. “We are thrilled to raise funds for our animals through this fun glow-in-the-dark 5K walk/run. The more participants we have raising dollars, the more our shelter animals will benefit.”
Bark in the Dark is for anyone who owns a pet, wants to walk in memory of a pet, is thinking about adopting or who is looking for a fun 5K to participate in! Feel free to bring your pet along for the walk or come on your own. All dogs are welcome to attend, but must be well-behaved (able to handle being around other dogs and people), up-to-date on vaccines and leashed.
To learn more about Bark in the Dark and to register, visit: http://hswestmi.org/events.
To learn more about the Humane Society of west Michigan, visit: http://hswestmi.org/.
About the Humane Society of West Michigan
Founded in 1883, Humane Society of West Michigan is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the humane treatment and responsible care of animals in West Michigan through education, example, placement and protection.
Kim Bode, 834 Design & Marketing, 616-299-2677, [email protected]
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