Bark for Life to be April 23
By Joey Pitchford
Published in News on March 30, 2016 1:46 PM
The American Cancer Society will hold its Bark for Life fundraising event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 23 at Old Waynesboro Park as a lead-in to the annual Relay for Life later in May.
Bark for Life Lead Stacie Vaughan called the event "a celebration of the caregiving qualities of dogs." Dogs are often used to fill a wide variety of caregiving positions, from guide dogs and service dogs to those who provide companionship or therapy to cancer patients and survivors.
In addition to the more typical arts, crafts and games found at such events, Bark for Life will also feature a few dog-specific additions. These include obedience demonstrations, a pet costume contest and a bacon-flavored bubble blowing machine.
Pet Supplies Plus will also be handing out pet supply goody bags.
Bark for Life will include a clown, DJ and characters including Elsa, Spider-Man and Darth Vader.
Local musician Ed Davis will also be performing a 30-minute set.
Central to the proceedings is the 11:30 registered walk, in which attendees will walk their dogs in relay teams. Participating in the walk costs $10. The proceeds from the walk are used to fund cancer research, therapy and survivor services through the American Cancer Society.
Ms. Vaughan said that she hopes to see a few hundred people attend Bark for Life. This is the second such event to take place in Wayne County, and the first to have the full sponsorship of the American Cancer Society.
Boy Scout Troop 28 will help coordinate parking as well as keep the dog's water bowls full.
For those looking to add a new furry friend to their family, several canine rescue organizations will be present with dogs looking for new homes.
Ms. Vaughan is still looking for vendors and volunteers to staff the event. To learn more or to volunteer, contact her by phone at 919-658-6743 extension 1230 or by email at SVaughan@butterball.com