This year’s Paws in the Park event with the Longmont Humane Society is for all animals and animal lovers, including those who prefer to stay home and take a nap while raising money for their furry friends.
Like many events this year, Paws in the Park has gone virtual Saturday through Oct. 11. Although gathering for a group 5K is not possible this year, anyone with online access and a love of animals can participate. All the proceeds from the event will go toward general operating expenses at the Humane Society and supporting the 243 animals currently in its care, Director of Marketing and Communications Carrie Brackenridge said.
Kathy Gaines, director of development at the Longmont Humane Society, said, “You don’t have to have a dog, you don’t even have to have a cat to participate in this. It’s all supporting us and supporting the event.”
The ability to support from home provides the opportunity for more people to participate, but it also means the possibility of fewer donations and participants than normal, Gaines said. “It’s scary because we’re really trying to raise the same amount of money.”
There are two steps to taking part in the fundraiser this year. First, anyone who is interested can register online for a walk, run, stroll or a nap. Registration costs $25 for adults and $15 for youth, and all registrations come with a goodie bag that will be available for pickup Thursday through Saturday at the Humane Society after registration. The first 150 people to register also will receive a Paws in the Park T-shirt.
The second step is to create a fundraising page. In past years, participants have been asked to pass around a slip of paper to their friends to raise money for the Humane Society, but this year all the fundraising is being done online, Gaines said.
The pages that raise the most money will receive prizes and the Humane Society provides a list of fundraising tips on its website.
On event day, which can be any day between Saturday and Oct. 11, participants can choose a favorite hike or neighborhood walk to take with pets, friends or on their own. The Humane Society recommends several routes on its website that are linked to event sponsors.
Participants are encouraged to share photos of their walk, run or nap on social media using the hashtag #PITP2020. The Humane Society will share its favorite photos on its social media pages.
The Humane Society is hoping for 250 participants this year, Gaines said, and so far about half that number have registered. Gaines said she hopes to see more fundraising pages as the event draws nearer and that next year the event can return to a group event at Roger’s Grove Nature Area.
People and their pets take part in a past Paws in the Park fundraiser for the Longmont Humane Society. This year's (2020) annual event has gone virtual. (Photo courtesy of Longmont Humane Society)
